DURBAN - uMkhonto weSizwe Party says it is in talks with March and March.
Although nothing has been formalised yet, the party believes there are common interests that could benefit both formations should they work together.
MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu says their shared stronghold in KwaZulu-Natal is the reason such a partnership could be fruitful.
Political analyst Bheki Mngomezulu says a potential partnership ahead of the November local government elections could give the MK Party a significant boost.
If the relationship between the two formations is formalised, the MK Party could potentially tap into a growing support base.
"In politics, anything is possible," says Mngomezulu.
"Depending on what transpires in the negotiations and interactions that they are having, anything can still happen," he adds.
March and March has developed a strong following in the party’s stronghold, and it would not be in MK’s interest to alienate those supporters.
ActionSA has previously been seen marching alongside the anti-immigration group, although neither organisation has formally endorsed the other.
The MK Party, according to Mngomezulu, may be seeking to shift the political tide.
"Hypothetically, if the MK Party were to forge a relation with March and March, seeing the support that they have, their support may automatically consolidate its power," he says.
At this stage, Mngomezulu says most parties are focused on winning ahead of the elections. However, he argues the MK Party should also be paying attention to its internal leadership stability.
The party recently suspended its spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, which Mahlangu says is an internal matter.
Mahlangu maintains that the party does not have a leadership crisis and says it remains stable and focused ahead of the elections.
Mngomezulu adds that parties at this stage often explore strategic partnerships, even those that may seem unlikely to outside observers.
"In this case, if the relationship can be formalised, or at least through an endorsement, those within March and March would definitely vote for the party," says Mngomezulu.
He adds that this is a crucial period for parties that gained recognition during the national elections, as the upcoming local government elections will test their organisational strength.
Mngomezulu says that if the MK Party and March and March relationship succeeds, it could be a setback for ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.
He notes that while immigration may not be the top concern for many voters during election season, it remains a useful campaign issue, alongside broader “bread-and-butter” concerns.