NFP President Ivan Barnes might be in trouble with his own party following a letter informing him that he has been suspended and will be subjected to disciplinary processes.
The infighting within the leadership of the National Freedom Party (NFP) is threatening to split the party again, as top party leaders suspend each other from party activities. The turmoil has led a political analyst to warn that this conflict could result in the death of the party.
The party’s national chairperson, Sibusiso Mkhabela, recently wrote to the party president, Ivan Barnes, informing him that he was suspending him. The faction of the party led by Barnes recently wrote to the chairperson of the party in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbali Shinga, informing her that they were placing her on suspension.
This came after the party had expelled Shinga following a disciplinary hearing. Shinga, who is also the MEC for Social Development and the party’s sole member in the legislature, challenged her expulsion in court and won.
The provincial legislature confirmed that Shinga's position had been restored within the legislature. It stated: “In compliance with the court order, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature confirms that the status quo ante has been restored, and Hon. C.M. Shinga remains a member of the Legislature. The institution will continue to conduct itself in accordance with the court's directive.”
