The National Freedom Party (NFP) has formally notified the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, of its intention to replace Mbali Shinga as its sole representative in the provincial legislature following her suspension from all party activities.
In a letter delivered to the Speaker’s office, the NFP confirmed that Shinga, who currently serves as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), no longer enjoys the confidence of the party’s leadership. The party said her continued presence in the legislature is incompatible with her suspended status.
“The National Freedom Party has taken a firm decision to suspend Ms Mbali Shinga from all party activities, and as such, processes are underway to appoint a new representative to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature,” the party said in its communication.
UPDATE: The National Freedom Party (NFP) has told the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, that it will soon replace Mbali Shinga as its sole representative in the house as she is suspended from all party activities.
Shinga holds the position of… pic.twitter.com/5caodoCXrU— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) December 28, 2025
While the NFP did not publicly disclose the specific reasons behind Shinga’s suspension, party insiders say the move follows internal disciplinary concerns and growing dissatisfaction with her conduct within party structures. The leadership has emphasised that the decision was taken in line with the party’s constitution and disciplinary framework.
Shinga’s position has drawn significant attention, given her dual role as both the NFP’s only representative in the provincial legislature and a member of the provincial executive. Her suspension places the party in a delicate position, as it must now urgently nominate a replacement to ensure continued representation in the House.
Political analysts note that the development may also have implications for the stability of the Government of Provincial Unity in KwaZulu-Natal, where cooperation among parties remains fragile. The replacement of an MEC, particularly from a smaller coalition partner, could trigger further negotiations within the executive.
The Speaker’s office has acknowledged receipt of the NFP’s communication and is expected to follow the prescribed legislative procedures once the party formally submits the name of its replacement.
For now, the NFP has maintained that it is committed to discipline, accountability and organisational renewal. “The party will not compromise its principles,” a senior official said. “Our structures will ensure that the legislature is represented by a member who reflects the values and discipline of the NFP.”
Further developments are expected in the coming days as the party finalises its internal processes and communicates its final decision to the legislature.
