NFP KZN withdraws support for GPU citing lack of 'meaningful reviews'

The National Freedom Party (NFP) has revealed that it's withdrawing its support for the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal, pointing to what it calls a new political direction.

The party is part of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the African National Congress (ANC), and the Democratic Alliance (DA) coalition government formed after the 2024 government polls, after no party won an outright majority.

The NFP holds one seat in the executive, with Mbali Shinga being the Social Development MEC.

The kingmaker of the GPU in KwaZulu-Natal, the NFP, said it is no longer happy with the coalition arrangement.

The party is pointing to a lack of accountability, among other things.

Its president, Irvin Barnes, said there have not been any meaningful reviews about the coalition arrangement, both at the political and government levels.

"Regrettably, what we have witnessed since the formation of the GPU stands in sharp contrast to these ideals. At both the political and governance levels, there have been no meaningful review meetings to assess the performance of our deployees across political parties."

The party added that given the fact that the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party scooped most votes in last year’s polls, this may be an opportune time to let it lead the executive.

Other GPU partners are yet to respond.