NFP reconsiders decision to quit GPU, but cites IFP as stumbling block

The NFP leadership is reconsidering its decision to withdraw from the KwaZulu- Natal government of provincial unity (GPU) following a recent meeting with a DA delegation. However, as a condition for kickstarting talks that could see it returning to the GPU, the NFP wants the IFP — which is a leading party in the GPU “ to refrain from undermining the NFP”. More than a week ago, a DA delegation led by the party’s KZN provincial chairperson, Dean Macpherson, met the NFP to discuss reasons which led to the NFP resolving to exit the coalition government.

During the meeting, Macpherson proposed a meeting between the four GPU partners: the IFP, ANC, DA and NFP, where differences between parties could be ironed out. However, in a letter responding to Macpherson’s invitation, NFP Acting secretary general Bheka Xaba — who accused the IFP of wanting to replace his party with the EFF in the GPU, said the NFP would “at this stage” not attend a multi-party meeting involving the IFP. “Accordingly, we respectfully submit that the NFP will abstain from the proposed multiparty meeting until the IFP has concluded its bilateral discussions with the EFF and has demonstrated willingness to engagewith the NFP directly,” he said.

Since its establishment in June 2024, the GPU has controlled 41 of the 80 seats in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, while the coalition’s rivals — the MK Party and EFF, collectively control 39 seats. The NFP’s single seat has been critical to the GPU’s majority. In December, the differences within the GPU saw the NFP backing an MK Party motion of no confidenceagainst GPU Premier Thami Ntuli.

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However, the MK Party’s motion — which had the support of the EFF’s two KZN Legislature MPLs, was defeated after NFP’s sole MPL Mbali Shinga defied a directive from his party leadership to vote in favour of the MK Party motion. Shinga, who is the NFP’s KZN provincial chairperson and GPU’s Social Development MEC, is facing NFP internal party disciplinary processes after defying the directive by the organisation’s national leadership. The decision by the party’s national leadership to withdraw from the GPU was threatening to divide the organisation.

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