NFP's disciplinary hearing for Mbali Shinga could determine the future of KZN's GPU
The disciplinary hearing of NFP member of the KZN provincial legislature and MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga commenced today.
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The disciplinary hearing that will decide the future of the government of provincial unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal, is underway.
The National Freedom Party is set to decide on the fate of its only member of the KZN provincial legislature this week.
The party is holding a disciplinary hearing for its suspended member, Mbali Shinga for alleged misconduct. The hearing will run from today to Friday.
A letter seen by The Mercury, which was addressed to Shinga, and also circulating on social media stated: “This letter serves to formally inform you of the sitting of your disciplinary hearing as previously communicated to you through the charge sheet issued in this matter.”
It said, “You are hereby notified that the hearing will convene on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of January. The disciplinary hearing will proceed in accordance with applicable rules, procedures, and provisions that govern the disciplinary process of the organisation. You are expected to be present at the stipulated time, venue, and all the scheduled dates.”
It warned, “Please note that failure to attend the disciplinary hearing without a valid and acceptable reason may lead to the hearing proceeding without you."
Shinga is facing the possibility of being removed from the legislature and from her position as the MEC for Social Development.
This follows her defiance of the party by voting against the motion of no confidence brought by the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party to oust the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, and by extension, the government of provincial unity. The vote held on December 15 was not successful and shortly after, the NFP resolved to suspend Shinga.
The NFP is a key part of the GPU and Shinga had indicated clearly at the time of the motion that she would not vote against the government she was part of.
The KZN Speaker has written to the NFP and informed it that Shinga can only be removed as a MPL if certain conditions occur including that she ceases to be a member of the party that nominated her as a member of the legislature.
If Shinga is removed and a new NFP MPL sides with the MK Party in future motions, it would lead to the collapse of the GPU as the party's vote sways the balance of power in the legislature.