Government

Huge problem hitting one of South Africa’s most volatile provinces

Luke Fraser

 ·9 Jan 2026

The National Freedom Party (NFP) has thrown a massive spanner in the works for KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) after withdrawing from the coalition.

As reported by SABC News, leader Irvan Barnes confirmed that the NFP had decided to withdraw from the GPU due to administrative challenges and coalition partners failing to honour agreements.  

The NFP is one of several parties that form part of KZN’s government, including the IFP, ANC and DA.

While the NFP only held one seat in the KZN legislature following the 2024 elections, it assumed the role of kingmaker due to the influence of the MK party.

While the IFP’s Thami Ntuli is the premier of KZN, his party only holds 15 of the 80 seats in the KZN legislature.

The ANC (14) and DA (11) hold only 25 of the seats in the legislature, narrowly missing a majority.

On the other hand, Jacob Zuma’s MK party holds 37 seats in the provincial legislature, while the EFF holds the remaining two seats.

The EFF and MK party have refused to join coalitions with the ANC, including the Government of National Unity (GNU)—but the far-left-leaning parties only hold a combined 39 seats.

The NFP joined the GPU following the 2024 general elections. As per the decision to join, the NFP’s Mbali Shinga was appointed MEC for Social Development.

With the NFP now leaving the GPU, the move no longer guarantees a majority for the GPU when voting on matters.

However, if the NFP decides to vote in favour of policies with the EFF and MK, the vote would likely be split 50-50, unless representatives broke party lines.

While 50-50 splits can result in issues in passing legislation, a majority is not needed to form a government. Gauteng currently has a minority government, with less than 50% of seats.

Barnes said that the NFP will not form a new government with opposition parties and will instead take its place on opposition benches.

While the party has instructed Shinga to leave her post, only the Premier has the power to fire an MEC.

Shinga previously voted against party orders during a vote of no-confidence in the premier. As reported by News24, her party membership has been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry.

A land of promise

While KZN is known to be a highly volatile area, it is also seen as one with massive potential.

The province has faced a troubling decade, with the issues from the Covid-19 pandemic worsened by massive flooding in 2022. The province also took the brunt of the July 2021 unrest.

Nevertheless, KZN is South Africa’s second most populous province, and the Durban port provides access to trade with major eastern nations.

There are signs that the province is starting to turn the corner, with an influx of major projects heading to the province.

For instance, luxury travel company Club Med will soon launch a R2 billion resort along the province’s north coast.

Nearby, Developer IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR) is set to invest billions in the Zimbali development, which will feature a marina and a new country estate.

The province’s South Coast is also gaining recognition for its affordable coastal lifestyle and easy accessibility, attracting families, retirees, and investors from across the country.