NFP'S EXIT ROCKS KZN COALITION: PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ON SHaky GROUND

The NFP has instructed its sole representative, Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga, to resign from her position. However, Shinga has refused to step down and is facing internal disciplinary charges.

By Mpho Dube — Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian_

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The National Freedom Party's (NFP) withdrawal from the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) has thrown the provincial administration into uncertainty, threatening to collapse the coalition government.

The NFP's decision, announced on Wednesday, leaves the GPU with a 50-50 split in the 80-seat legislature, making it challenging to pass legislation and budgets.

The NFP's withdrawal is a significant blow to the GPU, which was formed after the 2024 general elections. The coalition, comprising the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and NFP, had a narrow majority of 41 seats.

The NFP's exit reduces the coalition's seats to 40, equal to the opposition bloc led by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).

Political analysts warn that the NFP's withdrawal could lead to a collapse of the government if a motion of no confidence is called again. "The government is in real danger of collapsing if a motion of no confidence was to be called again," said Sabelo Chalufu, founder and director of the Better Governance Initiative.

The NFP has instructed its sole representative, Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga, to resign from her position. However, Shinga has refused to step down and is facing internal disciplinary charges.

The ANC has downplayed the NFP's withdrawal, saying the GPU remains stable. However, the party's KwaZulu-Natal coordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, acknowledged that the situation is uncertain.