HEROES RAVI GOVENDER

and was elected its leader.

Rajbansi’s party took control from the SAIC in the 1981 elections for the council. Just 6 percent of the Indian electorate participated.

In 1984, the NPP stood for the newly-constituted House of Delegates, the Indian-only parliamentary chamber, and won the majority of seats in the House.

As a result, Rajbansi became a member of the South African cabinet and chairman of the Ministers’ Council for Indian Affairs.

His leadership of the House of Delegates was often embroiled in controversy, and in May 1987, his NPP lost its majority to an opposition coalition. However, Rajbansi did not resign his chairmanship, and he survived the leadership challenge with the help of PW Botha.

A time of turmoil ensued with Rajbansi being investigated on allegations of corruption, maladministration and perjury.

Much happened during this period that would have floored a lesser man. However, Rajbansi lived up to his nickname of kanniedood – the name of a plant that survives in a hostile environment.

When South Africa achieved democracy in 1994, the NPP became the Minority Front and continued to draw support from small pockets of the Indian community.

After the 2004 elections, Rajbansi made a deal with the ANC and became MEC for sports and recreation in KwaZulu-Natal.

In January 2009, Rajbansi received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the India International Friendship Society in New Delhi, in recognition of his selfless service to humanity. He was the only African to receive this award.

There was turmoil on the home front. It was rumoured that the relationship between Ashadevi and Rajbansi soured when she joined the IFP. The couple separated in 1998.

Political differences and alleged paranormal activity in their marital abode were cited as contributing to their separation.