Political analysts are divided on the recent appointment of Mbali Shinga, National Freedom Party’s (NFP) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), as Acting MEC for Health.

Some see it as a strategic move by Premier Thami Ntuli that could shift the balance of power within the province’s fragile coalition, while others warn it could deepen the already existing divisions within the NFP and the broader Government of Provincial Unity (GPU)

Shinga, current MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, has been appointed as the Acting Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health in the province.

This decision comes following the temporary leave of the incumbent MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli announced the appointment in an internal memorandum dated 13 January 2026. 

“In terms of section 138 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, I hereby appoint Ms C M Shinga, Member of the Executive Council for Social Development, as Acting Member of the Executive Council for Health, with effect from 17 January 2026 up to and including 25 January 2026, and assign to the said Ms C M Shinga generally the powers and functions of the Member of the Executive Council for Health.”

This acting appointment comes at a turbulent time for Shinga, as she is embroiled in a disciplinary dispute with the NFP.

In December last year, the NFP suspended Shinga from her position as the chairperson of the party’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Committee, following her defiance of party directives during a motion of no confidence vote in the provincial legislature.

Shinga, who is a member of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), went against instructions from NFP president Ivan Barnes by supporting a motion of no confidence brought by the MK Party against the IFP’s provincial chairperson and Premier  Ntuli. 

The party said Shinga’s membership would be suspended for a period of three months, pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry.

During this time, Shinga has been barred from all party activities, including NFP programs and engagements.

Several political analysts have weighed in on the appointment, with opinions divided on what this move means for Shinga, the NFP, and the future of provincial governance.

Theo Neethling, a political analyst at the University of the Free State, said he was concerned that Shinga’s new role could further destabilise the already fragile coalition government.

While the NFP holds just one seat in the provincial legislature, it has been a crucial partner in keeping the GPU intact, he said. 

However, Neethling pointed out that Shinga’s suspension and defiance of the NFP leadership complicates the political landscape.

“Her suspension has stripped her of political legitimacy, and her elevation to an acting executive position does little to guarantee stability,” Neethling said.

“This further complicates already fragile coalition dynamics. If the NFP decides to withdraw, fresh coalition talks could shift the province’s political direction toward a more radical economic transformation agenda.”

Siyabonga Ntombela, a political analyst at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, offered a more optimistic take, suggesting that Shinga’s appointment could be seen as a recognition of her political strength and alignment with Premier Ntuli’s leadership.

Ntombela notes that Shinga’s track record in Social Development and her unwavering support for Ntuli make her a valuable figure within the GPU.

“The KZN GPU sees potential in Mbali Shinga,” Ntombela says. “This new role is a recognition of her abilities and her support for the Premier’s leadership. However, her defiance of the NFP’s party line does complicate her relationship with party leadership and may deepen the divide with the IFP.”

Zakhele Ndlovu, another analyst from UKZN, agrees that Shinga’s appointment is a deliberate move by the IFP-led GPU to secure her loyalty, especially after her role in opposing the motion of no confidence against Premier Ntuli. He believes this could be a political strategy to further weaken the NFP leadership.

“The GPU is sending a clear message to the NFP that they are backing Shinga,” Ndlovu asserts. “This appointment rewards her for taking a stand against the motion of no confidence, but it will likely exacerbate the ongoing internal divisions within the NFP.”

Meanwhile, An independent analyst, Goodenough Mashego, took a more direct approach, suggesting that Premier Ntuli is hoping to bring Shinga fully into the IFP fold. He believes that the acting MEC role is part of a broader strategy to break Shinga from the NFP, especially considering her ongoing suspension.

“Premier Ntuli is hoping Shinga will defect from the NFP. With her suspension and the tensions within the party, it’s unlikely she’ll return. This could be the start of a strategic move to pull her into the IFP,” Mashego said. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics 

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