The KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity (GPU), led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, could soon see a shake-up after one of the parties recalled its sole MEC.
This follows a decision by the National Freedom Party (NFP) to recall its only member in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and cabinet, Mbali Cynthina Shinga.
Her position would be taken over by Ivan Barnes. He is the president of the party founded by the late Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi.
New candidate to step in
The KwaZulu-Natal GPU is made up of the IFP, ANC, DA and the NFP. In the coalition, the NFP was given the provincial Department of Social Development. This means that if Barnes steps in, he will be the department’s new MEC.
Shinga’s recall is contained in a letter sent by the acting secretary-general of the NFP, Sunset Bheki Xaba. In it, she was given until June 11 2025 to inform the legislature of the changes. Xaba said the decision to recall Shinga and replace her with Barnes was taken by the party’s national executive committee (NEC) in February this year.
“In February 2025, the [NEC] presented to the National Working Committee (NWC) a proposal regarding amendments to the NFP party lists. Following deliberations, the NWC resolved that party lists should be amended in strategic municipalities. This as well as for Parliament and the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
“This resolution is in accordance with the implementation of Section 11.3.1 and Sections 11.3.1.1-11.3.1.3 of the Party Constitution. As a deployee of the organisation, you are hereby mandated to implement the party’s directive. This by amending the KZN Legislature list and submitting the revised list electronically. It …must be submitted to the Office of the Speaker of the Legislature by no later than 11 June 2025. In our reserve list, the number one candidate will be Comrade Ivan Rowan Barnes,” reads the letter obtained by Sunday World.
Speaker confirms development
Shinga’s spokesperson, Thuba Vilane, said the matter is currently being discussed by the party’s NEC.
The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, confirmed the letter. She said her office has received the letter from the NFP about the matter.
“We have received a revised list from the leader of the NFP in the Legislature and will be subjecting it to internal processes of compliance and ultimately, publication. We are not able to comment on the party’s intention,” she said.
