By Celani Sikhakhane
- The NFP stripped Sibusiso Mkhabela of the national chairperson role after he marched in Shinga’s defence and stormed her disciplinary tribunal earlier this year.
- KZN secretary Zodwa Mtshali faces a three-month suspension after backing Shinga publicly, while Bawinile Mhlongo lost the national organiser position.
The National Freedom Party has pushed out four senior leaders linked to Mbali Shinga, the KZN Social Development MEC the party expelled earlier this year for defying its instructions in a high-stakes provincial vote.
Shinga refused to back an MKP motion of no confidence against KZN Premier Thami Ntuli in December 2025. The NFP expelled her for it. She is now fighting her expulsion in court and still sits in cabinet while that case is heard.
The latest action was taken at a joint meeting of the NFP’s National Executive Committee and Provincial Executive Committee over the weekend, days after Shinga’s internal appeal was formally dismissed.
Sibusiso Mkhabela has been stripped of the national chairperson position. His support for Shinga was not quiet. Earlier this year, Mkhabela and his supporters marched openly in her defence and stormed her disciplinary tribunal in an attempt to halt the proceedings. He was suspended by the party at the time. This weekend, he lost his position entirely.
KZN secretary Zodwa Mtshali has been suspended for three months pending an investigation into her conduct. The party says her public statements backing Shinga triggered the action.
Bawinile Mhlongo has been removed as national organiser. All four leaders have also been stripped of their seats on the NEC and the National Working Committee.
The NFP says the decisions are aimed at strengthening discipline, accountability and organisational stability.Pictured above: Axed NFP member Mbali Shinga with other NFP members during a recent court appearance.
Image source: File
This article has been updated.
