NFP internal power struggles far from over

NATIONAL Freedom Party (NFP) chairperson Shevu Mkhabela had until Monday to explain what his party termed an unauthorised media briefing last week, during which he made comments that were in contradiction of the party's stance on the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

Mkhabela, the mayor of eDumbe Local Municipality broke ranks with the national executive committee (NEC) reaffirming the support for the GPU. The party’s NEC formally withdrew from the GPU two weeks ago.

In a letter, NFP acting Secretary-General Sunset Xaba asked Mkhabela to explain who authorised him to hold a media briefing last week. 

“By whose mandate did you convene and address a press conference on 15 January in Durban? Why was this action taken outside the collective authority of the NEC, notwithstanding that the party had already convened a press briefing on the 9th of January where the party’s position was publicly articulated with regards to the withdrawal from the GPU and the suspension of the party’s provincial chairperson Mbali Shinga,” read the letter.

The letter further directed Mkhabela to explain who transported party supporters to Durban where the NFP was holding disciplinary proceedings against Shinga and why the supporters were mobilised to disrupt the hearing.

“You are hereby mandated to submit a written representation to the NEC no later than Monday before close of business,” said the letter.

Mkhabela said he had not yet seen the letter dated 15 January (the day he held a media briefing).

“Let me get it to the office, perhaps I will find it there because I did not receive it,” said Mkhabela.

Xaba confirmed writing to Mkhabela, saying his office is expecting his response by the close of business on Monday. He dismissed reports that the mayor has already been suspended, saying further action would be determined after his response.

Mkhabela’s media briefing was preceded by chaotic scenes of a fist fight between the party leader Ivan Barnes and NFP’s Uthukela district chairperson Manqoba Dlamini, regarding the continuation of Shinga’s disciplinary hearing.

Mkhabela told the media that Barnes and the NEC were out of order for suspending and disciplining Shinga for voting against an Umkhonto weSizwe Party motion last month.

He argued that the NEC had no authority to tell Shinga who she should side with, saying in terms of the party’s constitution, those powers are with the provincial executive committee.

Cape Times