· The NFP hosted a major anti-crime and anti-drugs campaign in eSikhawini as it works to reconnect with communities.
· The party has faced years of infighting and legal battles after the death of its founder Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi.
The National Freedom Party (NFP) is regaining its footing in KwaZulu-Natal after years of bitter internal battles that nearly destroyed it.
On Saturday, the party held a community event in eSikhawini near Richards Bay to take a stand against drug abuse, crime and gender-based violence. It was led by party chairperson Mbali Shinga, who is also the MEC for Social Development and the party’s only representative in the provincial legislature.
Community members and party supporters marched through the township before gathering at Mfolozi TVET College. Young and old came together to speak out against the social issues damaging their community.
“Drugs are destroying our youth,” Shinga told the crowd. She urged residents to work with the South African Police Service to fight crime and create safer neighbourhoods for women and children.
The event also signalled a comeback for the NFP, which was nearly torn apart by leadership disputes after founding president Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi suffered a stroke in 2014 and later passed away.
President Irvin Barnes recently demanded that Shinga and other NFP leaders serving in government positions resign, but they refused. The party has also been divided over its stance on a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, submitted by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
Barnes himself was taken to the Constitutional Court over his election as president, and won the case.
Despite only holding one seat in the provincial legislature, the NFP plays a powerful role as a coalition kingmaker, helping the Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance and African National Congress govern together against the larger MK Party.
Pictured above: The National Freedom Party joins the community of eSikhawini
Image source: Supplied
