KZN GPU future uncertain as NFP confirms Barnes will replace Shinga

The National Freedom Party has confirmed Mbali Shinga’s expulsion

The National Freedom Party (NFP) and Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga are headed for a legal showdown after she vowed to fight her dismissal from the party.

This is after the NFP revealed yesterday that it has written to the Speaker of the KZN legislature to inform her that Ivan Barnes will be replacing Shinga, the party's former provincial chairperson, as a member in the provincial legislature.

The latest development has put the future of the government of provincial unity (GPU) in jeopardy, with the NFP stating it is intent on pulling out of the political arrangement. The GPU is made up of the IFP, ANC, DA and the NFP.

Shinga’s appeal was dismissed by the party’s appeal board. On Saturday, the party announced that the appeals committee chairperson had dismissed Shinga’s appeal and upheld her earlier expulsion from the party.