Cape Town’s well-known media personality and political figure, Faizal Sayed, has made a significant move by joining the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. Sayed, who is also the leader of the Allied Movement For Change (AM4C) political party, made this decision public recently.

On Monday, the MK Party in the Western Cape officially confirmed Sayed’s membership, revealing that the party, which is under the leadership of former president Jacob Zuma, had welcomed Sayed into its ranks.

The statement issued by the MK Party highlighted Sayed’s appointment as the deputy spokesperson for the party in the Western Cape. This role places him alongside Ncumisa Mahangu, the current spokesperson for the region.

Just a few months ago, Sayed was a prominent figure in the Western Cape political scene, running as the premier candidate for the AM4C in the May 29 elections. His candidacy was part of the AM4C’s effort to contest the provincial elections in the Western Cape.

However, it appears that Sayed’s political journey has taken a new direction, with him joining the MK Party approximately a month ago. His decision to switch parties followed discussions with Faizel Moosa, the MK Party’s Western Cape provincial coordinator and South Africa’s former ambassador to Qatar.

In welcoming Sayed to the party, Moosa expressed confidence in the value Sayed brings to the MK Party.

“We welcome Cde. Faizal Sayed to MK Party in the Western Cape. Just like in parliament, MK Party is attracting expertise to its core that will make it a force to be reckoned with as we move towards 2026. Faizal Sayed brings with him a large support base, his own expertise in the media and communications environment and his energetic personality,”

Moosa stated.

Ncumisa Mahangu, the MK Party’s spokesperson for the Western Cape, also spoke on the party’s growing influence in the region. She indicated that the MK Party was gaining significant traction, particularly in the Western Cape.

“The party in the Western Cape is increasing massively,”

Mahangu said, claiming that their membership in the province alone had surged to 200,000 members.

Despite this impressive growth in membership, the MK Party currently holds no representation in either the provincial legislature or the City of Cape Town Council caucus.

Mahangu also announced that the MK Party would be contesting in the upcoming by-elections in ward 17 in Stellenbosch, which are scheduled to take place on August 28. This will mark the party’s first entry into this particular electoral race.

Sayed’s decision to join the MK Party comes on the heels of other high-profile defections within South Africa’s political landscape. Last week, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saw two prominent leaders, deputy leader and co-founder Floyd Shivambu and Mzwanele Manyi, defect to other political movements. Sayed’s shift adds another layer to the ongoing realignments within the country’s political sphere.