About Us
1860NIC Congress
The 1860NIC Congress is now officially a political party in South Africa.
Party founder and President, Thanasagren Rubbanathan Moodley said “ this was a milestone achievement in terms of Indian politics in South Africa “ and that “ the 1860NIC Congress will become a major player in KZN politics offering the second largest population in the province , their rightful place at the table .”
Thanasagren Rubbanathan Moodley aka Karou Charou aka KC, has always been an unapologetic Champion for the rights of his minority Indian community.
Apart from earning his stripes as one of the country’s most successful entertainers, Moodley also has an impressive 20 year track record as a community activist , humanitarian , social and political commentator.
This combination of skills has seen Moodley rise to become one of the most popular, recognisable and trustworthy persons within the South African Indian Community .
This status was amplified when Moodley entered the 2024 National & Provincial Elections as one of only 11 Independent candidates in the country , the sole Independent in KZN , and the only Indian Independent on the ballot sheet.
Moodley , despite having only 6 weeks to campaign , with only 20 volunteers across the province , and a budget of under R200K which saw him reach only 20% of his electorate , surprised all and sundry when he emerged as the best performing Independent in the country.
On the KZN Provincial ballot , Moodley’s 12 300 votes saw him feature in 7th position , of 33 parties , on the leaderboard , surpassing established political parties and narrowly missing out on a acquiring a seat on the KZN Provincial Legislature.
Moodley’s stellar performance at the polls was lauded by other political parties and leaders.
In the build up to the 2024 NPE , Moodley promised that whether he achieved a seat in the legislature or not , he was going to form a political party , and true to his word the 1860NIC Congress was born.
Indian Party
Whilst the 1860NIC Congress has an unapologetic Pro-Indian stance , the party strives to represent all minorities and disenfranchised people of South Africa.
Moodley points out that the KZN Coloured community is in a similar, if not worse off position than the South African Indian community and they also need representation.
The minority white population are also an integral part of the rainbow nation and their rights must also be respected, as per the constitution of our country.
“ The Indian voters will get us into the structures , and once we are there, all South Africans will be able to see and appreciate our efforts to uplift the lives of all South Africans.
1860
The number 1860 is synonymous with Moodley’s minority Indian Community.
His forefathers landed on the shores of Durban , South Africa on 16 November 1860 as slaves from India , promised a better life in South Africa.
Those that boarded the ship were brave souls to say the least. Leaving their homes, their loved ones, enduring an arduous sea journey, then toiling as slaves in sub human conditions …. all in an attempt to create a better future for their children and the generations to come.
Today, less than 165 years later, the Indian community is an integral part of the very fabric of KZN and indeed the country.
From slaves they emerged as an economic powerhouse, captains of industry with a rich culture , exotic food, religion & fashion that permeates and resonates around the country.
1860 defines who the Indian community is , as a people.
1860 serves to speak of “Seeking pastures anew “ , “ rebirth” , “ “struggle” , “ survival” , “challenge” , “ overcoming adversity” , “ triumph” , “ success “ ..etc.
1860 – invokes a sense of pride … a pride that somehow got lost…. But now set to be regained
NIC
NIC is NOT an acronym for Natal Indian Congress.
NIC, merely makes reference to The Natal Indian Congress acknowledging it as the first ever political party to be formed in this country, in 1894, and one which was formed to specifically address issues concerning the Indian community.
The original NIC and its leaders served as an inspiration to Moodley, and accordingly respect is afforded to the organisation and its former leaders, who were the original Champions for the Indian community.
The Colours
The vibrant orange and green colours are a reminder of where we come from – India.
Our rich Culture , Heritage & Values.
We carry the indomitable spirit of our forefathers who hailed from a country that was almost destroyed by colonialism, but has risen from the ashes to take its rightful place as a world super power.
Similarly the South African Indian community , who were marginalised and discriminated by the former apartheid regime , only to receive the same treatment under the new regime , are now set to rise and claim their rightful place in the province and indeed the country .
The Symbols
- The Ship – Synonymous with Indian indentured labourers around the world.
- The Cane Cutter – A Powerful symbol of our heritage – our roots as slaves toiling the land.
- The Female Cane Cutter – Reference to the backbone of our community – our mothers who played various roles to ensure that the family and indeed the community not only survived, but thrived.
Party Priorities
1.0
Address the flawed implementation of the BBBEE policy, that discriminates against the Indian community and indeed other minorities , as well as address the flawed Employment Equity Act that discriminates against minorities.
2.0
Seek to remove the racist quota systems currently in place that prejudice and discriminate against Indian medical students.
3.0
Ensure that Indians, as a previously disadvantaged community are offered equal rights and opportunity as enshrined in the constitution and freedom charter.
4.0
Strive to nurture and promote Indo-African relations, especially in KZN
5.0
Strive to ensure a better quality of life for our senior citizens.
6.0
Youth development programmes to empower our youth and create future leaders.
7.0
Be a voice for the voiceless , the marginalised and disenfranchised.
8.0
Clean governance & Ethical leadership .
Leadership
Thanasagren Rubbanthan Moodley is the party founder and President .
He has a core group of people around him that supported him in his independent campaign, and at this infant stage is very wary of the team that he is building around him.
He is keen to engage with any other person, organisation that shares his vison and that of the party.
Moodley is clear that he is only “the vehicle” that is driving the project. The success of the party will depend on it operating as a collective.
It must be a party, for the People, by the People.
“The future of the party will depend entirely on it’s electorate. If it’s needed it will thrive , if not relevant , it will cease to exist “ said Moodley.
“My objective is to leave a Legacy, for my children and their children. If you are unwilling to create such a legacy or create a platform to secure the future of your generations to come, then your tenure on this planet has been selfish, a wasted exercise and indeed an insult to the legacy of our 1860 forefathers on whose shoulders we have stood.” T.R Moodley
2026 Local Government Elections
The party will challenge the 2026 LGE and in fact is eligible to challenge any bi-election in the province until then.
The objective of the party is to secure as many seats as possible in the various City Councils. Seats at the table , mean that you have a voice. More seats mean that your voice is louder.
2029 National And Provincial Elections
The 1860NIC Congress will challenge the 2029 National Elections , with the objective of achieving a Minister position in the National Assembly.