Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi aims to transform eThekwini as 2026 mayoral candidate
RETURN TO POLITICS
Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi.
Image: Supplied
AFTER an almost one-and-a-half year hiatus from politics, Minority Front (MF) leader, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi is making a comeback as the party’s mayoral candidate for eThekwini in the 2026 local government elections.
In a statement from the MF, Thakur-Rajbansi served the public for 25 years in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) legislature, beginning her political career early in life.
“Her long-standing commitment to community upliftment, accountability, and responsive governance has earned her the trust of countless families, faith-based groups, cultural organisations, and community structures across KZN,” it read.
Speaking to the POST today, Thakur-Rajbansi said she felt “ecstatic” to contest the mayorship of the eThekwini Municipality.
“I am hellbent on making eThekwini an affordable, liveable and thriving city again. This means a total overhaul of systems that don’t work for residents and visitors. I will ensure that the city machinery reforms and transforms so that it performs efficiently. The MF is focused on restoring trust in local government and ensuring that service delivery reaches all communities.
“In addition, my ultimate goal is to get eThekwini to be a city where you experience heritage and live tradition, making it South Africa’s number one cultural tourism destination,” she said.
Thakur-Rajbansi said she was honoured to accept the nomination by all party members.
“I am ready to work with the people of eThekwini to build a municipality that is fair, accountable, and centered on community needs.”
Thakur-Rajbansi said the MF also called on all residents, community partners, and organisations to stand with the party.
“We encourage the public to sign up as party members, volunteers, and party agents as we prepare for the 2026 local government elections. Your support is vital in strengthening our movement and ensuring effective representation in our communities.”
The MF is recruiting ward councillor candidates for the 2026 elections. Interested applicants are invited to send their CV with references to [email protected]