Defiant NFP MEC fights expulsion as party exit plunges KZN into crisis

KwaZulu-Natal MEC says party is in deep trouble

- By Bongani Mdakane

The political future of Mbali Shinga, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, hangs in the balance as she defies her own party's order to resign, a standoff that erupted after the National Freedom Party's (NFP's) withdrawal from the province's unity government and now threatens its stability.

Amid a severe internal power struggle, the NFP has demanded that its sole member of the provincial legislature, Shinga, resign as both MPL and MEC or face expulsion from the organisation. This follows the party's official exit from the KZN government of provincial unity (GPU) on Friday, ending its “kingmaker” alliance with the IFP, ANC and DA.

Shinga was hauled before a party disciplinary hearing on Thursday for defying a mandate. Her troubles began when she refused to participate in a motion of no confidence against KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, brought by the MK Party. This refusal angered NFP president Ivan Barnes, exposing the internal squabble.