NFP demands Shinga's removal to consider rejoining GPU
The NFP’s national executive committee (NEC) says it would only reconsider rejoining the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) if its senior member, Mbali Shinga is removed both as an MEC and a member of the legislature.
Speaking on Sunday ahead of their meeting with the ANC, the NFP’s acting Secretary-General Sunset Xaba said his party has agreed to meet with the ANC but would only return to the GPU if Shinga is removed.
“The NEC agreed to the invitation by the ANC which we think has been sent by the GPU, however, we want to state categorically that we will only return to the GPU (is) Shinga (is removed). Our relationship with her has reached the stage of irreversibility, therefore the GPU partners must choose us over her, nothing else,” said Xaba.
Shinga a Social Development MEC under the GPU is currently undergoing a disciplinary hearing by her party and faces charges of gross misconduct, specifically for insubordination and openly defying party directives. These charges stem from her refusal to support the party’s instruction to vote for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s motion of no confidence against Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli. The hearing has been adjourned indefinitely.
The NFP had also announced its withdrawal from the government which prompted the ANC to call for an urgent meeting.
Xaba said they are still committed to the GPU but they will tell the ANC that the GPU partners must stop protecting Shinga if they still want his party in the arrangement.
Attempts to get the ANC, IFP and DA to comment on the latest NFP demands were unsuccessful.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za