Expelled NFP boss declares war on party leaders

By Celani Sikhakhane

• Sibusiso Mkhabela says his removal as NFP national chairperson was unlawful and has demanded proof that the correct procedures were followed.

• Mkhabela was removed after backing expelled NFP MPL Mbali Shinga during a bitter dispute involving the MK Party and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli.

A fresh leadership battle has erupted inside the National Freedom Party after expelled national chairperson Sibusiso “Shevu” Mkhabela rejected his removal.

Mkhabela, who is also the mayor of the eDumbe Local Municipality in Paulpietersburg, accused the party leadership of running the NFP as if it belongs to a few individuals.

In a strongly worded letter released on Wednesday, Mkhabela said his removal was unlawful and went against the party’s constitution.

“I categorically reject this decision as constitutionally questionable, procedurally defective and contrary to the democratic values upon which the National Freedom Party was established,” he said.

Mkhabela said the NFP belongs to its members and branches, not to factions or individuals.

“The NFP does not belong to individuals, factions or external political interests,” he said.

He said the party was founded on the vision of its late leader, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, and warned that any attempt to capture the organisation through unconstitutional means would be challenged.

Mkhabela has demanded that the party leadership provide evidence showing how the decision to remove him was reached.

He has given party leaders 48 hours to provide proof that the correct constitutional procedures were followed.

The dispute follows the expulsion of NFP MPL Mbali Shinga.

Shinga was removed from the party after she refused to support an MK Party-backed move to remove KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli from office.

Mkhabela publicly supported Shinga, a move that deepened divisions within the party.

Acting NFP secretary-general Sunset Xaba confirmed that he had seen Mkhabela’s letter.

However, Xaba did not respond to questions from Scrolla.Africa before publication.

The latest fallout exposes growing tensions inside the NFP as senior leaders continue to clash over the party’s future direction.

Pictured above: Expelled NFP national chairperson Sibusiso “Shevu” Mkhabela has challenged the party leadership over his removal.

Image source: NFP TikTok