The National Freedom Party (NFP) has created a political storm in KwaZulu-Natal over party politics and the reshuffling of its members in the KZN Legislature.
On Tuesday, Bheki Xaba, acting secretary general of the NFP, sent a communique to provincial chairperson of KZN, Cynthia Mbali Shinga, who is also the MEC for Social Development, mandating her to implement the party directive by amending the KZN legislature list and submitting the revised list electronically to the Office of the Speaker by June 11, 2025, to comply with the party’s resolution.
Xaba said that in February 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) presented a proposal regarding amendments to the NFP party lists to the National Working Committee (NWC).
Following deliberations, the NWC resolved that the party lists should be amended in strategic municipalities as well as for Parliament and the KZN Legislature.
He said that in the reserve list, the number one candidate would be the NFP President, Ivan Rowan Barnes.
Xaba said Barnes will not be commenting on speculation circulating on social media regarding the Shinga matter and rumours of her removal from office.
He explained that the party would address all questions and concerns at a formal media briefing to be scheduled in due course.
According to Xaba, the NFP was taking bold steps in strengthening the movement and reaffirming its commitment to the people.
On Saturday, the party welcomed amakhosi and thousands of new members at the Lidgetton Hall, near Howick.
“This occasion signifies growth, renewal, and unity. This historic gathering marks a pivotal moment in the party’s ongoing mission to rebuild, restructure, and rebrand, ensuring a brighter future for all South Africans,” Xaba said.
Bongani Gina, KZN head of Provincial Government Communication, said it was the NFP’s discretion to decide on their Legislature list.
Gina said the Speaker of the Legislature is the one who deals with legislature party representative list and not Premier Thami Ntuli.
Pathisa Mfuyo, the media spokesperson for the Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, said they have received a revised list from the leader of the NFP in the Legislature and will be subjecting it to internal processes of compliance and ultimately, publication.
“We are not able to comment on the party’s intention,” she said.
Shinga, through KZN Social Development spokesperson Thuba Vilane, said the matter is currently being discussed by the NFP NEC and could not comment further.
Political analyst Dr Levy Ndou said it is in the nature of political parties that positions will always be contested.
However, Ndou said there should be a way in which contestation in political parties is managed so that they avoid a situation where there could be factions on the basis of these contestations for political power.
“The NFP has had very difficult moments, and the party seems to be stagnant. Maybe a change of leadership could bring in new energy and ideas and make the party grow and become stronger. My view is that those who have been supporting the NFP and the members of the NFP would not like to see the party disappear,” Ndou said.
Thobani Zikalala, an independent political commentator, believed that the NFP was besieged with infighting and members were not accountable to leadership because of factions within the party.
Zikalala said Barnes wanted to be an active member in government, and this was his last stance or settling of old scores.
“He is leading a cohort of people in government, and this created a problem because they are more powerful than him. The NFP needs to clean up its image if it wants to be in the political landscape after the next elections.”
