NFP’s Internal Turmoil: Members Caught in Violent Clash In Durban

Published 14 Jan 2026 at 6:42 PM

by Mbalenhle Butale

3 min read

A video shows members of the National Freedom Party (NFP) physically fighting in Durban, highlighting deepening internal divisions
The party recently suspended Mbali Shinga for defying directives during a motion of no confidence vote against Premier Thami Ntuli
Public reaction is divided, with some viewing the suspension as necessary for party discipline and others seeing it as a sign of ongoing turmoil within the NFP

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Ivan Barnes — NFP president was caught in a fist fight with party members. Image" KZN National Freedom Party/ Facebook
Source: Facebook

A video circulating on social media showing members of the National Freedom Party (NFP) engaged in a physical altercation in Durban has raised fresh concerns about ongoing instability within the party.

The footage shared by journalist Sihle Mavuso on X shows individuals identified as NFP members involved in a heated confrontation that escalated into violence.

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What caused the fight?

Speculations are that opposing factions, those in support of Mbali Shinga and those in support of party president Ivan Barnes, came to blows during a meeting earlier today. Reports say a prominent faction within the National Freedom Party has backed the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity led by Premier Thami Ntuli. The faction, led by National Chairperson Sbusiso Mkhabela, said Shinga must stay put in her position. A protest by an NFP faction supporting Shinga also disrupted the planned media briefing, blocking president Ivan Barnes from speaking.

Clash highlights NFP infighting

The clash comes against the backdrop of prolonged internal turmoil within the NFP, which in recent years has been marked by leadership disputes, organisational breakdowns, and factional tensions. Once positioned as a significant political force in KwaZulu‑Natal, the party has struggled to maintain unity. Recently, the party suspended its only member in Parliament, Mbali Shinga, after she failed to follow a party directive during a motion of no confidence vote against KwaZulu‑Natal Premier Thami Ntuli. Shinga was the deciding vote and voted against the motion, helping Premier Ntuli and the Government of Provincial Unity retain power in the legislature. President of the party, Ivan Barnes, announced Shinga’s suspension following an emergency meeting on 18 December 2025.

The public took to social media to comment on how the party’s internal divisions may be spilling over into public confrontations.

Social media users weighed in

@Nozipho L. Mhlongo stated:

Articles about NFP

Previously, Briefly News reported that the NFP officially withdrew from the KwaZulu‑Natal Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). At a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on 5 January 2026, the NFP resolved to end its participation in the GPU with immediate effect. In line with the withdrawal, the NEC instructed Mbali Shinga, the party’s provincial chairperson and sole MPL, to resign from her position as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development by the morning of 8 January 2026.

In related news, the NFP suspended Shinga for three months starting 8 January 2026, following her refusal to follow a party directive during a crucial vote. The suspension bars her from participating in all NFP activities while a disciplinary process moves forward. Party officials said the decision reflects their commitment to internal discipline and organisational cohesion. South Africans are divided over the move: some view it as necessary to maintain party unity, while others see it as deepening the NFP’s internal strife amid broader political tensions in KwaZulu‑Natal.