Minority Front sets sights on Gauteng and Western Cape for upcoming elections

AS POLITICAL parties prepare to battle each other in familiar and stronghold wards for the 2026 local government election (LGE), the Minority Front (MF) has decided to venture into the unknown by contesting territories for the first time in the Western Cape and Gauteng. 

Since its founding on November 1, 1993, by the late leader, Amichand Rajbansi, the MF has had a strong foothold among many Indian voters in KwaZulu-Natal. 

 However, according to Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, the current leader of the MF, the migration of Indians to other provinces has shown a need for political representation elsewhere.  

She said this was the reason the MF was fielding candidates for the first time in wards in three Gauteng metros – Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg – and in the Western Cape Metro.  

 There is also a candidate in the Tshwane province throwing his hat in the race for mayor.   

“Indian people have migrated to other provinces for a variety of opportunities, and a lot of the former KZN people have shown an interest in replicating the MF in those provinces.  The party responded to that need,” said Thakur-Rajbansi.    

 “We have also embraced other race groups in a bigger way. We used to do it, but it was in a small way. People are realising they have particular needs which the bigger parties are not responding to. So, what they are looking for is simply a party that responds to their needs. They feel they have been sidelined by local leadership and that is why we have ventured into the other provinces.” 

Thakur-Rajbansi described the emergence of this new voter as “fish out of water,” bringing their cultural and economic activities into their new areas.  

 “The MF is obviously bringing about this type of social cohesion and integration but in a political way.” 

 The 2026 docu-movie, “The Bengal Tiger: The Rajbansi Story,” has also been credited as a reason for the renewed interest in the MF.

“Mr Rajbansi’s movie has reached people far and wide across racial groups. They have started understanding the care Mr Rajbansi had for the community, the politics, the transition from apartheid politics to democracy parties, and this has sparked renewed respect for him and his legacy.”   

Tshwane Mayoral candidate Manuel Moodley, 39, who works in logistics management, agreed that the movie reignited his respect for Rajbansi.  

Moodley, formerly of Chatsworth, recalled the “Milk Campaign” and the difference Rajbansi made in the community.   

“When I was growing up, I saw Mr Rajbansi build swimming pools for us; he built the Chatsworth Stadium and the first time I voted, I voted for the MF. 

“When I watched the movie, I was moved, and it reminded me of all the good he did. Since moving to Tshwane 15 years ago, I have voted for other parties but was never happy with the empty promises they made. 

“I approached Mrs Rajbansi and asked her to come to our city and see the need for the MF. The MF gives a voice to people who have no voice.” 

Moodley has been assisting the community of Tshwane in his personal capacity over the past few years.  

“The ward councilors do not deliver, and so we have to do their work. I thought, why not run as a candidate? Mrs Rajbansi saw my potential and nominated me as the MF mayoral candidate for Tshwane.” 

Nishani Kimisha Kishore, 43, a nutritionist by profession and a former Phoenix resident, will be contesting Ward 101 in North Riding in Randburg.  

 She has spent the last seven years running several community projects under her non-profit organisation, Infinity Foundation, a charity-based organisation that helps people and animals through disaster relief. 

 “I was not into politics, but I have been a community worker and saw a need for a political voice. The minority groupings do not have a voice in my ward, and we are often sidelined by the ward councilors.”    

 Another issue that Kishore was concerned about was the religious celebrations of Diwali and Eid.  

“We don’t get to light fireworks in the ward, yet fireworks are allowed during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The minority needs a voice in government structures, and we can do that with the MF.”  

 She said Johannesburg was not the City of Gold; everyone thought it was.  

 “It is run down and there is no proper service delivery.”  

 A new market has also opened for the MF in the Western Cape.   

Dr Navasha Sewraj, 43, has placed her name on the ballot papers for several wards in the Cape Town Metro.   

The general practitioner, formerly from Verulam in Durban, settled in the Cape after completing her studies.

She believes that “people are looking for something that represents home and your people”.  

“A lot of people from KZN and Johannesburg have moved to the Cape. We are a growing population that needs a voice for us as a minority grouping. If I joined another party, I would not find the same kind of meaning. 

“I grew up in KZN and you heard of the MF and the good they did. My grandparents got their housing in Phoenix, for example, because of Mr Rajbansi and how he fought for our people. This is why I feel strongly about having some representation here. I don’t think other parties will have our interests at heart. And our options are very limited.” 

Sewraj said she had received positive responses from the people she was campaigning for.

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