Two former IFP members expected to contest Endumeni wards have joined the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and launched their election campaign.

Willie Steenberg and Jacque Greyvenstein announced their move after saying they could no longer serve effectively within the IFP.

The pair said they had spent time “soul-searching” before deciding to leave the party, citing political infighting and the municipality’s failure to pass a funded budget.

‘People are gatvol’

“The infighting, inability to find common ground to pass even a simple budget, and influence of questionable advisers are hurting the residents of Endumeni,” they said.

Steenberg said residents were frustrated after years of what he described as repeated municipal crises.

“People are gatvol. We have seen what’s happened over the past five years – crisis after crisis – culminating in the inability to pass an unfunded budget,” he said.

The pair said they had been approached by several political parties but ultimately chose the FF+ because they believe it offers the best platform to serve Endumeni residents.

Fresh approach

Greyvenstein said residents had been receptive to the FF+, particularly because this will be the first time the party has contested local and district elections in the Umzinyathi and Endumeni regions.

“We have a fresh approach. Our campaigning on Saturday in town showed that democracy in South Africa is maturing. It’s not a case of, ‘Oh, that’s a white party.’ No, the FF+ is for all,” he said.

Greyvenstein said black and Indian residents had approached their campaign tent to ask how they could join and support the party.

Ward candidates

Steenberg will stand in Wards 2 and 4, while Greyvenstein will contest Wards 7 and 3.

Queenie Thompson is the FF+ candidate in Ward 6.

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