Key Takeaways:
- The National Freedom Party’s (NFP) national chairperson, Shevu Mkhabela, has called for the removal of the party’s president, Ivan Barnes.
- Mkhabela accused Barnes of being a "project" of another political party to cause instability in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) and the province.
- The party’s provincial executive committee members have thrown their weight behind Mbali Shinga, the Social Development MEC in the GPU, who is facing a disciplinary hearing.
- The IFP has announced its intention to meet with Barnes and his executive to discuss the issues facing the NFP and the GPU.
- The NFP’s withdrawal from the GPU could upset the political balance in the province and result in an early election.
Introduction to the Crisis
The National Freedom Party (NFP) is facing a crisis, with its national chairperson, Shevu Mkhabela, calling for the removal of the party’s president, Ivan Barnes. This move comes after a dramatic scene at the Edward Hotel in Durban, where a fist fight broke out between Barnes and the party’s Uthukela district chairperson, Manqoba Dlamini, over the continuation of a disciplinary hearing against Mbali Shinga, the Social Development MEC in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). The drama highlights the deep divisions within the party and the challenges facing the GPU.
The Disciplinary Hearing and its Aftermath
The disciplinary hearing against Shinga was underway at the same hotel where the fight took place, with over a hundred party members gathered outside, singing songs in support of Shinga and carrying placards that read "hands off Shinga". Mkhabela, who is also the eDumbe Local Municipality mayor, addressed the media and accused Barnes of being a "project" of another political party to cause instability in the GPU and the province. He called for Barnes’ removal, citing the party’s constitution, which allows for the recall of the president for violating the constitution. Mkhabela argued that Barnes had interfered with the work of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the branches by charging Shinga, and that the decision to remove Shinga should have been processed by the party’s PEC, not the National Executive Committee.
The IFP’s Response
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has announced its intention to meet with Barnes and his executive to discuss the issues facing the NFP and the GPU. The IFP’s national chairperson, Blessed Gwala, dismissed suggestions that his party had undermined the NFP national leadership by refusing to engage, stating that the agreement was that the provincial leadership of parties would continue to engage from time to time. Gwala revealed that Barnes had asked to be appointed a Minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of the agreement to join the GPU, but that this suggestion was rejected. The IFP’s meeting with Barnes and his executive is expected to take place this weekend, and it is hoped that it will help to resolve the issues facing the NFP and the GPU.
The Consequences of the NFP’s Withdrawal
The NFP’s withdrawal from the GPU could have significant consequences for the province, potentially leading to an early election. The ANC and DA have requested meetings with Barnes, and the IFP has also announced its intention to meet with him. The NFP’s withdrawal could upset the political balance in the province, and it is unclear what the outcome will be. Mkhabela has given Barnes and certain members of the NEC an ultimatum to immediately stop Shinga’s disciplinary hearing or face the wrath of the party membership. The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear what the future holds for the NFP and the GPU.
Conclusion
The crisis facing the NFP is a significant challenge for the party and the GPU. The divisions within the party are deep, and it is unclear whether they can be resolved. The IFP’s meeting with Barnes and his executive may help to resolve some of the issues, but it is unclear what the outcome will be. The NFP’s withdrawal from the GPU could have significant consequences for the province, and it is hoped that a resolution can be found that will maintain stability and avoid an early election. The situation remains uncertain, and it will be important to watch developments in the coming days and weeks to see how the crisis unfolds.