Ivan Barnes, the President of the National Freedom Party (NFP), has launched a scathing attack on the political leadership of KwaZulu-Natal. Barnes has demanded that the African National Congress (ANC) remove Sipho Hlomuka and Nomagugu Simelane from their positions as MECs, as well as that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) withdraw Premier Thami Ntuli.
In a press briefing held in Durban on Saturday, Barnes stated that the province’s governance had reached a “critical point” due to weak and factional leadership.
“Thami Ntuli must be withdrawn by the IFP.” Hlomuka and Nomagugu must be removed from their positions as MECs by the ANC. Barnes declared, “We are convening with the MK Party because we share a common denominator that Thami Ntuli is not capable of leading.”
He alleged that the current KwaZulu-Natal executive was prioritising political survival over service delivery, asserting that both the IFP and ANC had “lost touch with the real struggles of the people.”
The NFP leader confirmed that his party had engage in discussions with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which is led by former President Jacob Zuma. He stated that the discussions were founded on shared concerns regarding governance, rather than political hysteria.
“Why are you so frightened when you hear about uMkhonto weSizwe, as if KwaZulu-Natal will be destroyed if the MK Party is in power?” Barnes responded, “Nothing will transpire.” “The MK Party’s vote for Panyaza Lesufi to assume the position of Gauteng is indicative of their political maturity and their willingness to collaborate in the pursuit of stability.”
Barnes underscored that the NFP’s involvement with MK was not a betrayal of its independence, but rather a strategic move towards the restoration of accountability in KwaZulu-Natal’s leadership.
“We are not establishing covert alliances.” He stated, “We are merely siding with those who believe that KZN deserves superior leadership—leadership that listens, delivers, and unites.”
The province was at risk of experiencing a “further decline in governance, instability, and social trust” unless political parties prioritised people over power, the outspoken NFP president cautioned.
Political analysts contend that Barnes’ statements may indicate evolving alliances within KwaZulu-Natal’s political landscape, particularly in light of the ongoing influence of coalition dynamics on provincial governance in the wake of the 2024 elections.
Barnes’ appeal for leadership change and his defence of dialogue with the MK Party may further redefine KwaZulu-Natal’s political balance in the months ahead as tensions simmer between parties in the Government of National Unity.