NFP's Mbali Shinga extends olive branch after surviving KZN legislature removal bid

THE KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga who has faced two attempts to have her removed from her position as a member of the provincial legislature has extended an olive branch to those who want to get rid of her in governent.

Shinga, is the provincial chairperson of the National Freedom Party (NFP) and only member of the provincial legislature representing the kingmakers, the NFP, appealed to her colleagues in the party not to allow internal squabbles to interfere with the party's programme.

"This is now the second attempt to remove me from the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature through internal processes that have raised serious constitutional, procedural and political questions," said Shinga in a statement, breaking her silence after a failed second attempt to remove her from the legislature.

“I state without ambiguity that I respect the organisation, its history, and its structures. However, respect for the organisation cannot and must not mean silence in the face of actions that risk weakening the very movements we are trying to rebuild.

"The legislature of KwaZulu-Natal is governed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, noting the response by the Speaker. This is my personal victory. It is a reaffirmation of constitutional order, due process, and the rule of law. These principles must guide us as a party, especially at a time when the NFP is repositioning itself for relevance growth," she said.

The NFP’s acting secretary, Bheki Xaba, wrote to the Speaker of the provincial legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, to request her to remove Shinga from her position as MPL and MEC.

However, Boyce dismissed the request citing that Shinga's suspension from her party does not meet the constitutional and legal threshold for removal as she's still a member of the party.

Shinga was suspended by the party after she defied an order to vote with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and the EFF on the motion of no-confidence vote against Premier Thami Ntuli last month.

Shinga said this matter should not have escalated to the legislature 'as it created instability, confusion and public spectacle'.

"Everytime we take our internal differences into constitutional institutions, we weaken the organisation and hand ammunition to our opponents. Despite this, I extend an olive branch. I extend it not out of weakness, but out of political clarity. The National Freedom Party cannot afford internal wars at a time when South Africans are desperate for credible alternatives, ethical leadership and grounded governance".

She appealed for unity over factionalism and said the call for cooperation and unity stands.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE