The National Freedom Party (NFP) has suspended KwaZulu-Natal MPL Mbali Shinga and informed the Speaker of the provincial legislature that it will soon advise on her replacement in due course.
However, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has said it cannot remove her from office until constitutional conditions are met.
previously reported that Shinga’s suspension follows her conduct in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, where she is part of the Government of Provincial Unity.
The suspension came after she defied a directive from NFP President Ivan Barnes during a vote on the MK Party’s motion of no confidence against IFP provincial chairperson and Premier Thami Ntuli.
In a letter to the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Nontembeko Boyce, NFP Acting Secretary General Bheki Xaba confirmed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had met on 19 December 2025 and resolved to suspend Shinga with immediate effect.
Xaba said the decision “was taken pending the institution of disciplinary proceedings and the appropriate action to be undertaken in accordance with the Party’s Constitution and disciplinary code.”
He added that Shinga “is henceforth barred from representing the NFP in any capacity, position, or platform within the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
”Her suspension remains in force until the disciplinary process has been concluded and a final determination made,” said Xaba.
Xaba also noted that the NFP would in due course formally advise the legislature “of the name of the member who shall replace Ms Shinga as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL).”
In response, Boyce acknowledged receipt of the party’s correspondence but said the legislature is guided by section 106(3)(c) of the Constitution of South Africa.
According to this section, a person loses membership of a provincial legislature if they cease to be eligible, are absent without permission under prescribed circumstances, or “cease to be a member of the party that nominated that person as a member of the legislature.”
Boyce said that “none of the conditions as set out above are applicable in this instance and as such, the office of the Speaker is unable to accede to your request.”
She added, “We do however request that you immediately notify the legislature should any of the pre-conditions set out above be met.”
Politics
