NFP President Ivan Barnes
The National Freedom Party (NFP) is shaking up KwaZulu-Natal’s political scene, with president Ivan Barnes calling for the ouster of Premier Thami Ntuli and two ANC MECs over claims of massive corruption in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). Barnes says the NFP will rethink its role in the coalition if these demands are not met, pointing to a staggering R64 billion in irregular spending across key departments. He also confirmed plans to meet the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), hinting at a possible shift that could topple the current setup. This comes amid internal rifts in the NFP, where national leaders clash with provincial ones, and growing frustration over governance failures in the province. As the kingmaker with its single seat, the NFP’s moves could reshape KZN’s leadership and spark fresh elections.
Barnes Fires Shots at GPU Leadership Over Corruption Claims
Speaking at a media briefing in Durban on Friday, 31 October 2025, Barnes pulled no punches, accusing the GPU of turning a blind eye to graft. He cited the 2025 Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and Treasury reports, which flagged R34.4 billion in irregular expenditure in the Department of Transport, R24 billion in Health, and R5.7 billion in Education – adding up to about R64 billion. “That is corruption. That is maladministration,” Barnes said, demanding action against those in charge.
The NFP leader outlined clear ultimatums: “1. IFP must withdraw Thami Ntuli, 2. ANC must withdraw Hlomuka as MEC, 3. it must withdraw Nomagugu as MEC.” He slammed Ntuli for failing to lead, pointing to chaos in the Premier’s office, including purges of civil servants, a R2 million luxury US trip without explanation, and unaddressed gender-based violence incidents. Barnes also highlighted the Department of Education’s placement under administration for subverting procurement in school nutrition tenders, and questionable contracts linked to political figures.
These claims echo broader criticisms of the GPU, formed after the May 2024 elections where no party won a majority. The coalition of IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP aimed for stability, but Barnes says it has become a “government of corruption,” with partners treating the NFP like “pawns” in a “big brother mentality.”
Internal NFP Divisions: Discipline Looms for Defiant Leaders
The briefing exposed cracks within the NFP, with Barnes addressing conflicting statements from provincial leaders. The party’s provincial chairperson and MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, publicly distanced herself from the national stance on the no-confidence motion against Ntuli. National treasurer Xolani Sibiya called this a violation of the party’s constitution: “When a member… publicly defies and denounces the party position… they are indeed violating the national constitution.”
The National Executive Committee (NEC) has resolved to start disciplinary proceedings against such members, especially those in deployed positions who undermine leadership. Barnes clarified that deployment is a national matter, not provincial, and reiterated the party’s focus on principles over positions. He also addressed former members like Glenn, who resigned in March 2024 but continues to cause disruptions, and dismissed self-proclaimed structures like a non-existent youth wing.
Legal battles add to the turmoil, with ongoing Supreme Court of Appeal cases over leadership disputes from 2019 conferences. Barnes accused external forces of infiltrating the party to sow division, vowing to protect the NFP’s integrity.
Meeting with MK Party: A Potential Game-Changer for KZN
Barnes confirmed the NFP has accepted an invitation to meet the MKP, the province’s majority party with 37 seats but currently in opposition. “We are meeting the MK Party because we are meeting at a common denominator that says Thami Ntuli is failing to lead,” he said. While the NFP has not withdrawn from the GPU yet, Barnes acknowledged the MKP’s electoral strength: “Why do you panic when you hear about uMkhonto weSizwe as if KZN will perish if The MK Party is in power? No, nothing will happen. The MKP voted for Panyaza Lesufi to take Gauteng.”
This potential alliance could collapse the GPU, as the NFP’s single seat was crucial in forming the 40-seat majority (IFP 15, ANC 14, DA 11, NFP 1). Barnes noted all GPU partners have quietly met the MKP, suggesting a “general feeling” that it should lead. If the NFP pulls out, fresh elections or a new coalition might follow, potentially handing power to the MKP.
Legacy of Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi and Principles at Stake
Barnes invoked the party’s founder, the late Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, to underline the NFP’s roots in compassion, honesty, and selflessness. “The National Freedom Party itself was born from a womb of a woman… We cannot soil the unstained legacy of kaMagwaza-Msibi,” he said. He framed the decision as protecting the poor and children from corruption’s harm: “Corruption… targets our children. Its primary aim is to ravage their hope, destroy their humanity.”
The NFP insists its stance is for KZN’s benefit, not personal gain, and asked for space to handle internal matters. “We do not serve for positions. We serve for principle,” Barnes emphasised.
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