The KwaZulu-Natal chairperson of the National Freedom Party, Mbali Shinga, has been found guilty of defying party instructions in relation to the motion of no confidence against KZN Premier Thami Ntuli. Shinga is the NFP’s sole representative in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, where she serves as MEC for Social Development, and if removed it might send the Government of Provincial Unity into turmoil.
Image: National Freedom Party
The National Freedom Party (NFP) has found its suspended KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, Mbali Shinga, guilty of violating party instructions and plans to fire her.
The finding follows Shinga’s refusal to comply with party directives to support a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli in December 2025.
In a letter to its National Working Committee, seen by the Sunday Tribune, the party stated that the ruling followed disciplinary proceedings spanning nearly three months, conducted in full compliance with constitutional and organisational processes.
“The committee has found the member guilty on all charges brought against her. The ruling affirms the seriousness of her defiance and validates the continuation of proceedings, where substantive sanctions will be determined,” the letter states.
It further emphasises that discipline within the party is non-negotiable and that accountability applies equally to all members, regardless of position or office.
While a final decision on Shinga’s future in the party is expected later this month, a senior insider confirmed that her dismissal is imminent.
“You cannot defy party rules when you are instructed and still expect to represent the party. You serve at the behest of the party, so if you fail to do that, then you cannot be in any position to represent the party. It’s that simple,” the insider said.
Shinga’s conflict with her party began in mid-2025, shortly after her appointment as MEC for Social Development, when she declined to support a motion against Premier Thami Ntuli in the same month she took office.
In December, she again defied party instructions during a no-confidence motion against Ntuli. After the premier survived the vote, Shinga was appointed acting MEC for Health while the incumbent, Nomagugu Simelane, was on leave—a move widely viewed as both a reward and a form of political protection from Ntuli. She was subsequently suspended from the NFP, with her membership also placed on hold until March this year.
Shinga has vowed to remain in her MEC position and has indicated she will challenge the disciplinary outcome. Sources have told the Sunday Tribune that the party intends to put forward its president, Ivan Barnes, for the position. Barnes announced the party’s withdrawal from the IFP-led Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) late last year, a decision that triggered a flurry of urgent meeting requests from GPU partners, the IFP, DA and the ANC.
The withdrawal by NFP would cause a stability crisis for the GPU.
With just one seat in the 80-seat KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, the NFP holds a kingmaker position. Barnes has publicly stated that the party should align itself with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and the EFF.
Attempts to obtain comment from NFP acting secretary-general Bheki Xaba were unsuccessful.