National Freedom Party expels KwaZulu-Natal MEC Mbali Shinga for defying party directive

Shinga refused to support a December motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli despite party instruction.

The National Freedom Party has expelled its KwaZulu-Natal chairperson and provincial MEC for social development, Mbali Shinga, after finding her guilty of misconduct and gross insubordination.¹²³

The party's national executive committee initiated disciplinary action after Shinga refused to follow a directive on 15 December 2025 to support a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, tabled by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.¹²³ Acting secretary-general Sunset Bheki Xaba said Shinga "openly declared to the media her refusal to comply, thereby undermining collective authority and placing the party into disrepute."²³

Charges were brought under section 16 of the NFP constitution.²³ The disciplinary committee heard the matter over approximately three months, with proceedings conducted "with strict adherence to constitutional provisions, ensuring fairness, transparency and procedural integrity," according to Xaba.²³

Shinga was found guilty on both charges.²³ She was given an opportunity to submit mitigating factors but requested an extension until 22 April.²³ The disciplinary committee chairperson denied that request but granted her and her legal team until 17 April, though she failed to submit any mitigation.²³

Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu said the verdict puts Shinga's political career in jeopardy.¹ He said the party would need to appoint someone else to represent it in the provincial government if the NFP remains in the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity.¹ However, if the NFP decides to pull out of the coalition, "that will be the end of the road," Mngomezulu said.¹