NFP issues ultimatum: Recall KZN Premier, fire ANC MECs or face coalition exit

The National Freedom Party (NFP) has issued a significant ultimatum, demanding major changes to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council as a condition for its continued participation in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

This follows a recent pronouncement by party leader Ivan Barnes, who has openly denounced the current coalition government, which includes the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the NFP.

Briefing journalists in Durban on Saturday, Barnes stated that while the party is unhappy with the current arrangement, it would remain in the GPU only on the condition that its partners immediately dismiss all Members of the Executive Council (MECs) belonging to the ANC.

He also demanded that the IFP recall Thamsanqa Ntuli as Premier.

READ: KZN coalition crisis: GPU partners to meet next week as NFP demands leader recalls

"IFP must withdraw Thami Ntuli, ANC must withdraw [Bongi] Hlomuka as MEC, it must withdraw [Nomagugu] Simelane as MEC."

Barnes, who has recently expressed support for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party)—a party he distanced himself from during coalition talks in June last year—confirmed he will be meeting with its leaders.

"We are meeting the MK P on a common denominator that Thami Ntuli is failing to lead."