National Freedom Party faces internal divisions and leadership challenges amid KwaZulu-Natal coalition politics
via The Namibian5 min read
The National Freedom Party NFP in KwaZulu-Natal KZN is experiencing significant internal strife, highlighted by the expulsion of its sole representative in the KZN legislature, Mbali Shinga. Shinga was dismissed for defying party leadership by voting against a motion of no confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli, a move that prevented the uMkhonto Wesizwe MK party from taking control of the province. Shinga's vote supported the government of provincial unity GPU, which includes the Inkatha Freedom Party IFP, African National Congress ANC, and Democratic Alliance DA. Her lawyer has confirmed an internal appeal against her expulsion, with a court challenge as a potential next step. The NFP's president, Ivan Barnes, has not publicly stated the party's loyalty in the legislature, despite being courted by the MK party. The party is also facing a leadership challenge in the Durban High Court from Thuba Thwala, a member of the NFP's national working committee, who sought to prevent a meeting and challenge amendments to party deployments. Former NFP secretary-general Teddy Thwala described the party as "in tatters" due to a leadership crisis and numerous court cases against its leadership. NFP councillors are involved in various coalitions across different towns, some with the IFP, others with the ANC, and one with the Economic Freedom Fighters EFF. Critics within the party suggest a policy conference is needed to determine the NFP's stance on coalitions, as its current direction is seen a
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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