A political showdown is looming again within the National Freedom Party (NFP) leadership following the party’s decision to amend its KwaZulu-Natal legislature candidate list – a move which may see its sole member Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga axed.

The debate on Shinga’s future as MEC in the Government of Provincial Unity comes after the NFP submitted its amended list to the provincial Speaker Nontembeko Boyce’s office. On this list,  Shinga has been removed and replaced by NFP president Ivan Barnes, however, Shinga said she has no intention of leaving her seat or the cabinet position she holds.

On Monday, she said the decision to remove her from the legislature could not be taken by Barnes and his national executive committee but will be a decision of the party’s provincial executive committee (PEC), of which she is a chairperson.

“The NEC may have taken a decision to amend our original list, however, removing me is a process that will need a PEC resolution after a discussion and that decision must be supported by valid reasons. I am chairperson of the PEC and there is no resolution that I must leave the legislature. With no PEC resolution, I have no intention to resign and wish to assure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that I am still the Social Development MEC and its business as usual,” said Shinga

The party’s acting Secretary-General Sunset Xaba dismissed suggestions that by amending the list, the party is intending to remove Shinga. Xaba said the party revised the list so that when it decides to make changes, the process would be legal.

“Shinga is not being targeted and we also made changes to municipalities, however, the NEC has not decided to remove Shinga or any councillor,” said Xaba.

Boyce’s spokesperson Phathisa Mfuyo said the NFP’s revised list is being subjected to internal processes of compliance and ultimately publication.

The NFP’s decision has reignited the debate on the future of the IFP-led Government of Provincial Unity as the NFP is a kingmaker in its formation. After last year’s national general elections, Barnes held a series of meetings with all parties including former president Jacob Zuma’s Umkhonto weSizwe Party, but ended up agreeing to join the IFP-led arrangement.

In the 80-seat legislature, the MKP received 37 seats followed by the IFP with 15, ANC 14, DA 11, EFF 2 and NFP 1. 

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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