KZN GPU is here to stay: NFP faction

A faction of the National Freedom Party (NFP) led by the party’s National Chairperson Msawenkosi Mkhabela says the KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity (GPU) is here to stay, despite the party’s president Ivan Barnes earlier announcing the withdrawal of the party.

The disgruntled group within the NFP which supports the government of provincial unity held a media briefing in Durban today and rejected the party leadership’s decision on the matter.

Divisions within the NFP have once again been laid bare. A week ago, Barnes announced that the NFP leadership had resolved to pull out of the GPU. He further instructed party deployee in the KZN legislature, Mbali Shinga to resign.

Shinga earlier refused to abide by a party’s instruction to support the motion of no-confidence against premier Thamsanqa Ntuli last month.

She was charged for defying the order. The faction says it also supports Shinga. And says Barnes doesn’t have the authority to over-rule the decision by the provincial structure to form part of the coalition.

“The party is satisfied with the government of provincial unity and will not pull out of it. The president does not have the legal authority to take such a decision.” says Mkhabela.

Meanwhile, the IFP says it will do everything within its power to keep the GPU intact. The party also held a media briefing in Durban.

“Our main priority as the IFP is to ensure the stability of this government of provincial unity. We are willing to engage the EFF as well in this regard because we already have a working relationship with them at a number of municipalities,” says Mkhuleko Hlengwa, IFP National Spokesperson.

The NFP’s sole seat in the provincial government holds the balance of power in the coalition, which includes the IFP, ANC and the DA.

Video: IFP reaffirms full confidence in KZN Premier Thami Ntuli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQcDp4iVf8w