The African Transformation Movement (ATM) announces it will contest local elections independently, ending its political ties with Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). According to the report, the ATM’s decision involves severing its association with Zuma’s party and shifting to a standalone campaign approach for upcoming local electoral contests. The announcement is framed as a change in the ATM’s election strategy, rather than a merger or formation of a new coalition. The report identifies the relationship between ATM and MKP as the key element that is being withdrawn, indicating that ATM will not present itself under, alongside, or in cooperation with MKP for local elections. No further details are provided in the supplied text on the timing of the break, whether any officials resign, or what the implications are for existing agreements or any voters who may support either party. The article focuses on ATM’s formal decision to contest local elections without MKP’s backing.