The controversial leader of the Abantu Batho Congress (ABC), Philani Mavundla, does not harbour any regrets for refusing to sign the election pledge written in English.
The former deputy mayor of eThekwini metro is notorious for ruffling feathers and sparking public debate. He caused a stir on Wednesday afternoon. As political parties were lined up at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Mavundla decided to protest. He argued that he needed electoral conduct to be translated into his mother tongue, IsiZulu.
Protest about indigenous languages
“I do not regret having done what I did. We have several indigenous languages. But we are made to sign an electoral code of conduct in English. We can never be free unless our indigenous languages are free. About 15 million people in this country speak IsiZulu. And yet our language is treated as a backward language,” said Mavundla on Thursday.
He explained that he did not regret the stance he had taken.
“I had to protest and stand for what was right. The genuine people of the land must be accorded the respect they deserve,” he charged.
Commitment to peaceful elections
The elections body held the signing ceremony in order for the parties to bind themselves that they will promote peaceful elections. This ahead of the crucial provincial and national elections next month.
“We know that political violence and intimidation can undermine the integrity of electoral processes. This can deter citizens from exercising their right to vote. By abiding by the code, political parties help prevent such incidents. [They also] contribute to a peaceful electoral environment,” explained IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya.
KZN to be accorded independent status
It’s not the first time that Mavundla has caused a stir. During his party manifesto launch last week he was at it again. He told his supporters that ABC will advocate for KwaZulu-Natal to be accorded an independent status.
Mavundla, a known former President Jacob Zuma sympathiser, was unceremoniously booted out of his position as eThekwini deputy mayor. He is also facing the same fate in uMvoti local council. It covers mainly the rural town of Grey Town and surrounding rural areas. The IFP have ganged up with the ANC and tabled a motion to oust Mavundla.
The ABC contested its first elections in 2021, gaining a kingmaker status in various hung councils in KZN. The party has councillors in KZN and in Limpopo.
