Infighting threatens the NFP's future amid attempt to suspend Barnes

The National Freedom Party (NFP) finds itself embroiled in a deepening crisis as internal conflicts escalate, threatening its stability and future. At the heart of the controversy is an accusation that several expelled and suspended leaders, including former national chairperson Sibusiso Mkhabela and former provincial secretary Zodwa Mtshali, are orchestrating a clandestine effort to form a new political party. This allegation was made by NFP Secretary-General Sunset Xaba, who claimed that these individuals are undermining the organization's structure and integrity while continuing their political ambitions outside the party framework.

The situation began with the suspension of Mtshali and the dismissal of Mkhabela, both of whom have publicly supported Mbali Shinga, a former party member who was expelled and subsequently removed from her legislative post. Shinga, who served as the sole representative of the NFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development, found herself at odds with the party leadership after defying directives during a vote of no confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli in December of the previous year. This defiance led to disciplinary proceedings, culminating in her expulsion from the party. However, Shinga successfully contested her removal in court, and the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature reinstated her position, restoring the status quo ante.

Xaba defended the suspension of Mtshali by stating that the party had intelligence indicating that she, along with Mkhabela and other former members, had already begun forming an alternative political entity. He criticized Mtshali for violating the party's constitution and code of conduct by issuing a public statement supporting Shinga without prior approval from the provincial executive committee (PEC). According to Xaba, Mtshali had long promoted Shinga's candidacy for party president and worked alongside her faction to challenge the authority of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Mtshali, who also holds the position of deputy mayor of the Mhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, categorically denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and politically motivated." She argued that she could not have initiated the formation of a new party given her recent suspension and noted that new political entities cannot register to contest elections once the dates have been set. She further dismissed the claim that she was involved in efforts to oust NFP president Ivan Barnes, emphasizing that the accusations lacked merit.

Mkhabela, who has been a staunch supporter of Shinga, has faced mounting pressure from the party leadership. He was one of the primary figures who led a group of party members to storm a Durban hotel where Shinga's disciplinary hearing was taking place, demanding that the proceedings be stopped. His actions have drawn criticism, and the NFP is now considering removing him from his position as mayor of the eDumbe Local Municipality. Additionally, Mkhabela and his bodyguards were involved in a motor vehicle accident on the R34 near the Gluckstad off-ramp, though no injuries were reported, and the cause of the crash remains unknown.

Other notable figures expelled from the NFP include National Executive Committee member Thuba Thwala and national coordinator and NEC member Bawinile Mhlongo. These developments underscore the deepening rifts within the party, particularly as it seeks to consolidate its strength and influence in the region. Political analysts have warned that the ongoing infighting could lead to the fragmentation of the NFP, potentially jeopardizing its viability as a political force. The situation highlights the challenges facing the party as it navigates internal discord while striving to maintain its relevance in the political landscape.