Zandile Myeni ditches NFP to launch new political party

eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni has left the National Freedom Party (NFP) to establish a new political entity called the National People’s Ambassadors. The new party aims to compete in the upcoming local government elections in November. Myeni made the announcement in Durban, stating that her party will focus on key municipalities in northern KwaZulu-Natal and eThekwini Metro.

Internal disputes within the NFP reportedly led to the formation of the new party. Myeni emphasized that her decision was driven by a commitment to service delivery and a rejection of dictatorship. She addressed the 547 political parties expected to participate in the elections and highlighted that her party has also submitted candidate lists.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) data indicates that 70 political parties, including the NPA, will contest seats in eThekwini alone. Myeni assured that her party has worked to garner support in their base in uThukela and other districts. They plan to conduct ongoing training for councillors and combat the issue of leaders becoming more prominent than the people they serve.

Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu cautioned that the proliferation of parties could confuse voters and may not benefit the country's democracy. Instead, Ndlovu suggested that voters should carefully consider their choices amid the crowded field of new parties.