National Freedom Party leader and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi made a surprise public appearance at a Pretoria party meeting yesterday after a year-long sabbatical due to illness. She hoped appearing in public would inspire confidence among party supporters, who had grown despondent due to internal strife."There's been a notion to write her off," said her spokesman, Canaan Mdletshe.KaMagwaza-Msibi said: "I really miss being among the people, serving them because that's what I know best."Perhaps it was time for me to take a short break, but I always question the timing of the gods about this break because the NFP is still in [its infancy] and needs me more."During her absence the NFP fragmented to a point at which it was believed it would collapse - just four years after it was founded.KaMagwaza-Msibi called for unity in her ailing party.Ninety NFP councillors, including mayors, deputy mayors and speakers of various municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal were fired last month.KaMagwaza-Msibi said this move went against a directive she issued that no elected public official should be expelled until her return.The NFP was formed in 2011 and contested the 2011 local government elections, winning two local municipalities and a district...