Durban - NFP president Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi was devastated on learning in the media about the disqualification of her party by the Independent Electoral Commission from the August 3 municipal elections, spokesman, Canaan Mdletshe, said on Thursday.
“She is aware of the disqualification of the party. She heard about it in the media, because she has not been officially notified,” Mdletshe said.
“That has left her devastated because she had been under the impression everything was in order,” he added.
Mdletshe made the comments a day after NFP national leaders told the media that kaMagwaza-Msibi had been informed about the disqualification after they did not pay the required deposit to contest the election by the June 2 deadline.
However, national chairman, Maliyakhe Shelembe, insisted that their leader was formally notified about the NFP’s plight.
“The president is aware about the situation… I don’t want to be involved in things said by people who want to score cheap political points,” Shelembe said.
He also said the party was trying its best to solve the matter. “We are hopeful that it will be resolved. The matter is being attended in all ways,” he said.
Mdletshe also said kaMagwaza-Msibi had been left emotionally drained upon learning about the party’s disqualification earlier this week.
“She was so shocked to hear about this situation. For now it is difficult to know if that has affected her health, but emotionally, she is affected, I can tell you.”
He, however, said there were no noticeable effects on the health of kaMagwaza-Msibi, who suffered a stroke in November 2014.
“We have not seen any difference on her health as yet. Emotionally she is drained,” Mdletshe said.
Meanwhile, the party is expected to hold a special national working committee (NWC) meeting on Saturday.
kaMagwaza-Msibi is expected to attend, according to KZN provincial chairman, Vikizitha Mlotshwa.
This will take place as the NFP leaders remained optimistic about Friday's appearance in the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein, where its application to be allowed to participate in the elections was expected to be heard.
In anticipation of the court case, members gathered at Gugu Dlamini Park, Durban, to express their hurt after the IEC disqualified them.
During the event, party members sang hymns and also prayed for Lady Luck come their way today.
Leading the prayer was NFP chairman in Mtubatuba, Woza Mbatha, who asked the Almighty to soften the heart of the judges.
Shelembe was optimistic of the court ruling in the party’s favour.
“We are confident. Our papers have been filed on time,” he said.