Celani Sikhakhane
A KZN pastor has become a laughing stock in his community after joining four political parties within a period of a month.
Pastor John Mantshinga of the Christ-Man Family church in ward 3, Harding recently announced that he has become the EFF’s newest card-carrying member on Saturday.
The pastor wasted no time joining the party after leaving the People’s Freedom Party (PFP).
His very first political alliance, however, was with the IFP. That love affair didn’t last long and the pastor got cold feet and soon cosied up with the ANC.
But before long, the governing party kicked him out of bed.
Community members told Scrolla.Africa they have never seen anything like this in their local politics.
“He is one of the most popular pastors in this area but he shocked us all,” said a community member.
“This is crazy. We really don’t know whether Pastor Mantshinga is practicing his freedom of association correctly.
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, Mantshinga clarified his decision.
“I am the chairperson of the Ratepayers Association. We have been trying to find a way to be represented in the municipality so that as rate payers we will have an opportunity to participate in council decisions. That is why I ended up with all these parties but only to find out later that they are only looking for our votes, nothing more,” said Mantshinga.
Mantshinga revealed that he grew up in the ANC. As the elections grew closer he was promised he would be a candidate.
He said he agreed but they started playing division politics and sidelined him.
“Then I left for the IFP after they promised me a proportional representative seat,” he said.
“But then they also went back on their promise, so I left and joined the PFP which was formed by former IFP members.”
The move to the PFP also failed when they picked up financial problems.
“So last week I joined the EFF. This is the party where I feel I could change things so that even older people can feel welcome and comfortable,” he said.
