NFP leader confirms party exit from KZN GPU, cites broken agreements

NFP leader Irvan Barnes

The National Freedom Party has reaffirmed its decision to withdraw from the KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity.

Speaking at a media briefing in Durban on Friday, party leader Irvan Barnes says the decision was due to administrative challenges and political agreements that were not honoured by coalition partners.

The provincial coalition government was formed after the 2024 general elections. It consisted of the IFP, DA, ANC and the NFP.

Barnes also rules out forming a new government with opposition parties such as the MK Party and the EFF, saying the NFP will instead take its place on the opposition benches.

“During the negotiations the DA alluded they would want these positions as part of them joining the GPU, so it’s either here nor there that we joined the GPU for positions. All the parties joined the GPU to govern, and part of governing is being given certain responsibilities in government. The NFP is pulling out of the GPU to remain opposition. If those who feel they need us in GPU they must go back to our agreements they failed to honour them.”

WATCH | The Government of Provincial Unity in KwaZulu-Natal is not collapsing, despite the National Freedom Party’s decision to withdraw from it. This is the view of the ANC, the IFP and the DA. pic.twitter.com/Fs7re5JgJo

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 8, 2026