NFP expels KZN Social Development MEC, Shinga, from party

The NFP has expelled its KwaZulu-Natal chairperson and MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, a move that has implications for the province’s government of national unity (GPU). Shinga’s expulsion follows disciplinary processes instituted by the NFP leadership, which had accused her of defying its directive to support a December MK Party motion of no confidence in KZN Premier Thami Ntuli. In a statement issued on Sunday, NFP Acting secretary-general Bheki Xaba described the sanction against Shinga as necessary to uphold party discipline and constitutional order.

The disciplinary committee has delivered its ruling following extensive proceedings conducted with full adherence to constitutional and organisational processes. The NFP, together with Ntuli’s IFP, ANC and DA, are part of the GPU established in 2024 following general elections which produced no outright winner in KZN. In December, the NFP national leadership, MK Party and EFF agreed to support the motion of no confidence against Ntuli However, Shinga, who is the sole NFP MPL in the KZN Legislature, voted with GPU MPLs, resulting in the defeat of the MK Party’s motion.

According to Xaba, Shinga, during a disciplinary hearing spanning over three months, failed to submit mitigating arguments despite being granted an extended deadline. Unless Shinga appeals the expulsion, the sanction triggers the loss of party membership and public office held through the NFP, placing her position as both MPL and MEC in jeopardy. The fallout comes against a backdrop of shifting alliances in KZN politics.