KZN’s Power Broker: The NFP’s Delicate Balancing Act

Key Takeaways:

• The National Freedom Party (NFP) held a press conference in Durban, where they announced that they will remain in opposition until they are re-engaged by parties that want to govern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
• The NFP’s president, Ivan Barnes, denied that there is an agreement between the NFP, the MK party, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) regarding governing KZN.
• The party has suspended the membership of its sole MPL, Mbali Shinga, for three months pending a disciplinary hearing, after she defied orders to support the MK party’s takeover bid.
• The NFP attributes its withdrawal from the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) to the poaching of its councillors, snubbing of its leadership, and disapproval of corruption in some provincial departments.
• The party is open to meeting with other parties to create a government, but has been accused of horse-trading by other political leaders.

Introduction to the NFP’s Press Conference
The National Freedom Party (NFP) held a two-hour press conference in Durban on Friday, 9 January, where they outlined their position on the current political situation in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The party’s president, Ivan Barnes, stated that they will remain in opposition until they are re-engaged by parties that want to govern KZN. This statement suggests that the NFP is open to negotiations with other parties, but is not willing to compromise on their principles. The party’s decision to hold a press conference and make their position public suggests that they are seeking to assert their influence in the province and potentially gain leverage in future negotiations.

The NFP’s Relationship with Other Parties
The NFP’s relationship with other parties in KZN is complex and has been marked by tensions and disagreements. The party had initially agreed to join the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), but later withdrew from the coalition citing disagreements over the distribution of power and resources. The NFP has also been in talks with the MK party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), but Barnes denied that there is an agreement between the three parties regarding governing KZN. This denial suggests that the NFP is keeping its options open and is not committed to any particular alliance or coalition.

The Suspension of Mbali Shinga
The NFP has suspended the membership of its sole MPL, Mbali Shinga, for three months pending a disciplinary hearing. Shinga had defied orders from the party to support the MK party’s takeover bid, and instead chose to remain loyal to the GPU. The suspension of Shinga’s membership has been seen as a move by the NFP to assert its authority and discipline its members. However, Shinga has stated that she will attend the disciplinary hearing, but does not expect a fair trial. She has also refused to leave the GPU, citing her loyalty to the people of KZN who elected her.

The NFP’s Reasons for Withdrawing from the GPU
The NFP attributes its withdrawal from the GPU to several factors, including the poaching of its councillors, the snubbing of its leadership, and its disapproval of corruption in some provincial departments. The party has also accused the GPU of being a stooge of white monopoly capital and a dictatorship with a smile. These accusations suggest that the NFP is seeking to position itself as a champion of the people and a opponent of corruption and exploitation.

Accusations of Horse-Trading
The NFP has been accused of horse-trading by other political leaders, who claim that the party is seeking to extract concessions and benefits from other parties in exchange for its support. The DA’s KZN leader, Francois Rogers, stated that Barnes is waiting for an offer and is buying himself time by suspending Shinga’s membership. The IFP has not commented on the matter, but a GPU cabinet member stated that the NFP’s actions need to be taken seriously and that the party is making the most of the crisis to fly its flag. These accusations suggest that the NFP is seen as a opportunistic party that is seeking to advance its own interests rather than serving the people of KZN.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the NFP’s press conference and subsequent statements have shed light on the party’s position on the current political situation in KZN. The party’s decision to remain in opposition and its openness to negotiations with other parties suggest that it is seeking to assert its influence and gain leverage in future negotiations. However, the party’s actions have also been accused of being opportunistic and self-serving, and it remains to be seen how the NFP will navigate the complex political landscape of KZN in the coming months. Ultimately, the NFP’s success will depend on its ability to balance its own interests with the needs and aspirations of the people of KZN.