Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi has dismissed reports of internal divisions within the party, denying claims that several members and candidates have resigned or been expelled following the recent local government elections. The allegations circulating on social media include claims that several National Executive Committee (NEC) members and election candidates had resigned or been expelled, allegedly involving party structures in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Thakur-Rajbansi stated that she was unaware of any such developments and insisted that no resignations or expulsions had taken place. She said she had held close-out meetings with representatives from various areas until Thursday night to discuss the election outcomes and the party's way forward. According to Thakur-Rajbansi, members remained on board as the party worked towards restructuring its structures ahead of the next elections.
Thakur-Rajbansi also rejected allegations that she had adopted a dictatorial leadership style or blamed individuals for the party's electoral performance in eThekwini. She explained that the meetings were intended to allow members and area leaders to provide feedback as the party reviewed its performance and considered the way forward. The party secured 11,217 votes nationally in the 2026 local government elections, according to provisional Electoral Commission results.
The allegations also included claims of harassment and verbal abuse of female candidates by a senior party representative. Thakur-Rajbansi said no written complaints had been lodged. She added that where members raised concerns about their area leaders, the party could place them under leaders with whom they were comfortable working.
Thakur-Rajbansi said she intended convening a meeting with the individuals involved to establish where the claims originated. She asked for three weeks to complete the party's restructuring process, saying the organisation had emerged from a difficult election and was currently rebuilding. The party received 8,783 votes across the three ballots in KwaZulu-Natal, where it has traditionally had its strongest support.
In eThekwini Municipality, the party secured one council seat through proportional representation, with no ward seats recorded. Thakur-Rajbansi urged members to raise grievances through the party's internal processes rather than using the media to resolve internal leadership disputes. The Minority Front leader emphasized the need for party members to work together during this period of rebuilding.
The party is currently working to address the concerns of its members and move forward after a challenging election. Thakur-Rajbansi's denial of the reports of resignations and expulsions aims to reassure members and supporters of the party's stability. The Minority Front will focus on restructuring and preparing for future elections.
Key points
- The Minority Front secured 11,217 votes nationally in the 2026 local government elections.
- Thakur-Rajbansi denied allegations of a dictatorial leadership style and claims of harassment within the party.
- The party is working towards restructuring its structures ahead of the next elections.
