IN A HEARTFELT video, Thakur-Rajbansi discusses her personal struggles and her decision to re-enter the political arena.
Image: SUPPLIED
IN A HEARTFELT video, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi discusses her personal struggles and her decision to re-enter the political arena.
She is set to return to politics as the Minority Front's mayoral candidate for eThekwini in the upcoming 2026 local government elections, aiming to revitalise the city and empower the youth.
In the video this week, Thakur-Rajbansi said soon after she announced her political comeback, many people had questioned her return to politics, why she had not contested the last election and what she had been doing with her time.
Pradhil Thakur Kooblall and Priyanka Nundkumar were killed in a horror crash on the N3 highway in KZN.
Image: SUPPLIED
She said the loss of her son and his fiancee had caused her immense pain over the past two years.
“For months I had a pain in my chest, as if there was a heavy rock on my heart. I remember sitting with them two days before their passing and we were talking about the 2024 elections. They had asked me if I would be contesting and I said yes, as it would probably be my last. However, I was going to be leaving for the US that week and there was going to be the first IEC meeting on that Tuesday. They said they would attend.
“A few hours later, I got a call from the councillor saying they could not be reached, which was very unlike them. I called the tracker company who said that the car was in Marianhill and the engine of the car was switched off. I called Priyanka’s father, who worked nearby to go check. They had passed away in an accident.
“I always thought that one day when I am no longer around, I would not have to worry about the future of the party as it would be safe in their hands. They showed leadership in all the work that they did for communities. They were driven by helping the vulnerable, something you don't often see from our youth.
“They were my everything. From the day Priyanka came into our lives, she was my daughter, not daughter-in-law. I felt as if my heart had been torn apart. However, I recently went to India with my mother and her parents to do some of their final rites. We also visited some of the charities they assisted, which brought me some closure,” she said.
Thakur-Rajbansi said due to her loss and not being able to secure sponsorship, she was unable to contest in the 2024 elections.
“Priyanka was the main driver for the sponsorship campaign, so I had to make a difficult decision to not contest this year. I also felt there were many new ‘Indian parties’ on the scene, so I thought if I stood back, given all the circumstances, let me see what they could do. Maybe one of them will be successful and the Indian community will be taken care-off.
“However, that did not happen, and I made the decision to come back. While I have continued to help communities, who still rely on the party, I know I can do more if I am back in parliament. However, I am also going to be using this opportunity to train our youth to become leaders, so that there won’t be a gap in the Indian community,” she said.
In a recent interview, 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.”