The National Freedom Party (NFP) has swiftly suspended its sole Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbali Shinga for three months.
Shinga’s suspension was sparked by her December 15 decision to oppose the MK Party’s sponsored motion to remove Thamsanqa Ntuli as the premier of the province.
Shinga who serves as the MEC for Social Development in the government of provincial unity (GPU) deviated from her party’s position which had mandated her to vote for Ntuli’s removal.
After her defiance, the national executive committee of the NFP, led by its president, Ivan Barnes, called an impromptu meeting and directed Shinga to submit a report on her debate in the legislature where she made it clear that she would oppose the meeting.
She had until Thursday morning to submit the report. It is not clear whether she met the deadline or not.
On Sunday, the national administrator, Romeo Dladla, informed members of the party’s national working committee that Shinga has been suspended.
“This communication serves as a formal notification to the National Working Committee regarding the suspension of the KwaZulu-Natal PEC Chairperson, who also serves as the MEC for Social Development.
Effective immediately, her membership affiliation with the National Freedom Party is suspended. This decision entails the following: 1. Participation and involvement on NFP programs.
“She is withdrawn from all NFP programmes, activities, and engagements pending the outcome of a disciplinary enquiry.
“2. Removal from NWC Group: In line with this suspension which carried a period of 3 months, she has been removed from the NWC group and shall not participate until the disciplinary process has been concluded.
The organization remains committed to upholding discipline, unity, and constitutional integrity. Members are urged to respect this decision and continue to advance the collective mission of renewal and accountability,” reads the note that was sent to the members of the NWC.
Although Barnes said they will officially communicate the suspension to the public at a later stage, Shinga confirmed to the African Times that she received the letter of suspension and indicated that she will challenge it in court.
“There is a letter that I received from them (NWC) yesterday. I am meeting with my lawyers to discuss the matter. We will surely challenge the matter in court as we live in a constitutional democracy where the rights of citizens are respected,” Shinga said.
