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

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.

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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.”

In a letter seen by The Mercury, Mkhabela lists a litany of allegations of wrongdoing against Barnes and informs him that he is placing him under suspension.

“On behalf of the leadership structures of the National Freedom Party (NFP), and in my capacity as National Chairperson and custodian of the Constitution of the National Freedom Party, I hereby formally notify you of your immediate suspension from all activities, structures, powers, functions, and responsibilities of the National Freedom Party, pending the finalisation of disciplinary proceedings.

“The leadership of the Party cannot remain silent when credible concerns exist regarding conduct that may have brought the Party into disrepute, undermined its constitutional structures, and prejudiced its political independence and electoral future. As National Chairperson, I have a constitutional obligation to act whenever there is prima facie evidence that the interests of the Party are being undermined or where conduct appears inconsistent with the Constitution and values of the NFP,” said the letter.

Among the allegations raised are serious concerns regarding public conduct inconsistent with the independence of the NFP, and encouragement of NFP members to support positions advanced by another political organisation, among others. Additional allegations include attempts to disband legitimate party structures, suspending members without proper constitutional authority, purging members who hold differing political views, and intimidating elected leaders.

NFP spokesperson Romeo Dladla said they do not recognise the letter, nor does it have any effect, asserting that the national chairperson no longer holds that role as of June 8 this year.

He mentioned that Mkhabela had been demoted. Dladla explained that the NEC, in consultation with the president, is able to dismiss or demote any member of the party after due consideration.

He confirmed that the party has suspended Shinga again.

Political analyst Professor Musa Xulu said the NFP is going through a difficult time: “The NFP is going through a difficult phase, where they lack clear leadership that respects the laws and values human dignity. It is unclear why the Barnes faction is seeking to humiliate MEC Mbali Shinga. The most likely outcome of this non-strategic behaviour of the party is the death of the party.”

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