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 moved against four senior leaders linked to expelled MEC Mbali Shinga, removing them from key positions in what critics are likely to read as a purge of her remaining allies inside the party.
The decisions were 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 against her expulsion was formally dismissed.
Sibusiso Mkhabela has been stripped of the national chairperson position. His support for Shinga was not a quiet affair. 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 faces a three-month suspension 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 three, along with a fourth leader, have 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.
Shinga was expelled from the NFP in April after defying a party instruction to support an MKP motion of no confidence against KZN Premier Thami Ntuli in December 2025. She is challenging her expulsion in court and remains in her cabinet seat as Social Development MEC while that legal fight continues.
Pictured above: Axed NFP member Mbali Shinga with other NFP members during a recent court appearance.
Image source: File
