NFP Recalls National Chairperson Amidst Internal Power Struggle

The National Freedom Party (NFP) is experiencing significant internal turmoil following the recall of its national chairperson, Sibusiso Shevu Mkhabela. The party's national executive committee (NEC) resolved to remove Mkhabela from his roles as national chairperson and NEC member with immediate effect, also stripping him of his position on the national working committee.

No official reasons were provided for Mkhabela's removal, but his recall occurs shortly after the expulsion of Mbali Shinga, the former NFP KZN chairperson and MEC for social development. Shinga was dismissed on June 4 after defying party instructions during a no-confidence vote against the KZN premier in December. She had supported the DA, ANC, and IFP instead of voting for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party-sponsored motion, a decision that led to her removal from the provincial cabinet and legislature.

Mkhabela was a vocal critic of NFP president Irvin Barnes, accusing him of dividing the party and advocating for its alliance with the MK Party and the EFF. Conversely, Mkhabela, Shinga, and their supporters favored remaining within the provincial government of unity's fold. The NFP's provincial secretary in KZN, Zodwa Mtshali, was also suspended for three months for issuing a statement against Shinga's expulsion and supporting her legal challenge. The future of Mkhabela's mayorship in eDumbe remains uncertain amid these developments.

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The NEC resolved to remove Cde Sibusiso Mkhabela from the position of national chairperson and as member of the national executive committee with immediate effect.