NFP hands down guilty verdict against Mbali Shinga over defiance

The National Freedom Party (NFP) has found its suspended KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, Mbali Shinga, guilty of violating party instructions — and is set to dismiss her from the party.

The damning finding follows Shinga's refusal to follow party instructions and support a motion of no confidence against KZN Premier Thami Ntuli in December 2025. In the party's letter to its National Working Committee — seen by IOL — it notes:

• This ruling follows disciplinary proceedings that extended over nearly three months, conducted with full adherence to constitutional and organisational processes.
• The committee has found the member guilty on all charges brought against her.The ruling affirms the seriousness of her defiance and validates the continuation of proceedings, where substantive sanctions will be determined.
• The judgment underscores that discipline is non-negotiable, and accountability applies equally to all members, regardless of position or office.

While a final judgment on Shinga's future in the party is expected later this month, a senior insider confirmed she would be dismissed from the party.

"You cannot defy party rules when you are instructed and still expect to represent the party. You serve at the behest of the party, so if you fail to do that, then you cannot be in any position to represent the party. It's that simple," said the insider.

Shortly after failing to support the vote against the premier, Shinga was appointed KZN MEC of Social Development — a move seen as a reward and protection from Ntuli for her refusal to vote against him. She was suspended from the NFP and later also had her membership suspended until March this year.

Shinga has vowed to stay on as MEC and says she will challenge the disciplinary outcome against her.

This is a developing story.