The National Freedom Party (NFP) has denied allegations by expelled KwaZulu-Natal MPL Mbali Shinga that party candidates were deliberately excluded from the 2026 Local Government Elections. Shinga claimed that candidates in five wards of uMzumbe were excluded, describing it as a deliberate political exclusion.
NFP secretary-general Sunset Xaba said the exclusion of candidates in uMzumbe was due to non-compliance with the party's mandatory Candidate Selection Protocol and issues identified by the IEC system. Xaba rejected Shinga's claims, calling them "incorrect and misleading". He stated that candidates from uMuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni were included, while those removed by the IEC system could not be accommodated.
According to Xaba, the candidate registration issues had been resolved before the September 11 deadline. However, some individuals resigned at the last hour, affecting the party list. The NFP also disputed Shinga's authority to speak on behalf of the party, citing her expulsion following a National Working Committee resolution adopted on July 4 and 5.
The NFP reinforced its expulsion of Shinga through a court ruling and order issued on September 15. Xaba stated that Shinga was not authorised to communicate with NFP structures, members, or external stakeholders on matters relating to the organisation. The party accused Shinga of causing political harm through misinformation and public criticism.
Xaba said Shinga was no longer an NFP member or a provincial leader deployed by the party. Her continued presence in the Legislature was due to the Speaker's protection, not through any mandate or recognition from the NFP. The NFP remains focused on organisational renewal, constitutional compliance, and preparations for the November 4 local government elections.
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, declared Shinga's seat vacant on September 15 and was due to facilitate the swearing-in of the NFP's alternate candidate, Ivan Barnes. However, Shinga applied for leave to appeal, prompting Boyce to put Barnes' planned swearing-in on hold pending the outcome. The application is expected to be heard on October 19.
The NFP has indicated it will oppose Shinga's appeal and seek to compel the Speaker to implement the High Court order. Xaba urged media organisations to verify information with the party's leadership before publishing communication attributed to the NFP. The dispute between Shinga and the NFP continues to unfold.
Key points
- The National Freedom Party rejects claims of deliberate candidate exclusion in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
- Expelled MPL Mbali Shinga's authority to speak on behalf of the party is disputed by the NFP.
- The NFP remains focused on organisational renewal and preparations for the November 4 local government elections.
