Shinga says ‘gloves are off’ in battle for soul of National Freedom Party

• Discover why Mbali Shinga believes the National Freedom Party is facing a “dangerous political culture” that could threaten its survival just months before the 2026 local elections.

• Learn how Shinga plans to use the NFP Constitution, the courts, and democratic rights as weapons in a high‑stakes battle to restore order inside the party.

• Find out what the phrase “abahambe” really means for the NFP — and why celebrating the departure of experienced leaders may be surrendering political ground to rivals.
  
  By Sihle Mavuso

The chairperson of the National Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal and the sole representative of the IFP’s splinter party says the time has come for her and others to stand up and says the current paralysis and exodus of experienced leaders cannot be treated as business as usual.

Mbali Shinga says the continuing deterioration of the organisation can no longer be treated as an ordinary internal disagreement between