BREAKING NEWS: Security threat derails NFP MKP talks in Durban

A planned meeting between the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the National Freedom Party (NFP) in Durban on Saturday was postponed after police identified a security threat, the nature of which was not disclosed at this stage. According to a source close to the matter, both parties were approached by police intelligence and advised not to proceed with the gathering as scheduled. “I understand that both parties were called by the police intelligence and were advised not to convene the meeting as scheduled,” said the source.

They were also advised that when they decided on a date to reschedule, they should keep the date and venue secret. The talks were expected to focus on charting a way forward to revive the MK Party’s bid in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature to remove Premier Thami Ntuli through a motion of no confidence. The initial attempt, initiated by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party which holds 37 seats in the 80-seat legislature, and supported by the Economic Freedom Fighters with two seats, had also drawn backing from the National Freedom Party.

The NFP had mandated its only MPL, Mbali Shinga, to support the move. The effort faltered after Shinga announced she would not support Ntuli’s removal. NFP acting secretary-general Bheki Xaba confirmed the postponement but declined to provide details, saying only that the meeting would take place at a future date.

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Xaba said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the next steps in reintroducing the motion. “There is a mutual interest between the two parties, so we are looking forward to the meeting to discuss how to bring the matter back to the legislature,” said Xaba.

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