Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi has confirmed that she will occupy the party's single seat in the eThekwini Council. The party secured the seat after obtaining 0.38% of the votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections. Thakur-Rajbansi contested the elections for the first time since 2019, stating that she was grateful and determined to make the most of the opportunity.
Thakur-Rajbansi expressed her disappointment that the Minority Front did not achieve better results in the elections. Despite this, she emphasised that the single seat was a crucial opportunity for the party to represent ordinary residents, ratepayers, pensioners, businesses, and communities who often feel forgotten after elections. She described the seat as "golden" because it allows the party to speak directly to these groups.
The Minority Front leader outlined her plans to use the seat to scrutinise municipal spending, challenge poor service delivery, and represent residents. She highlighted the need for effective use of resources in the City, citing the lack of resources as a significant challenge. Thakur-Rajbansi stated that every rand must work harder, and every councillor must work harder to address service-delivery pressures.
Thakur-Rajbansi also mentioned that she would focus on priority needs affecting the community, question expenditure, and keep issues such as tap water, electricity, and sanitation on the Council agenda. She emphasised the importance of providing feedback to the community and ensuring that their concerns are addressed.
The Minority Front leader acknowledged that the single seat may become important in coalition negotiations and political agreements that could determine the next administration. While she recognised that one seat is not enough to make her mayor, she stated that the party would use its influence responsibly and in the interests of residents.
Thakur-Rajbansi also noted that the Minority Front had been approached by a few parties and would consider its options for coalition agreements. She emphasised that any agreement would be a formal process for community transparency and buy-in. The party's goal is to work with like-minded parties that share its service delivery budget requirements.
Thakur-Rajbansi reflected on the party's past challenges, including its absence from the 2024 elections due to a lack of funding. She attributed the party's improved fortunes to the support of its supporters, the media, and the community. Thakur-Rajbansi expressed her determination to make the seat count and use it to speak for every resident who wants eThekwini to work effectively.
Key points
- The Minority Front secured one seat in the eThekwini Council after obtaining 0.38% of the votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
- Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi will occupy the party's single seat in the eThekwini Council and focus on scrutinising municipal spending and challenging poor service delivery.
- Thakur-Rajbansi plans to use the seat to represent ordinary residents, ratepayers, pensioners, businesses, and communities who often feel forgotten after elections.
