NFP seat declared vacant after court ruling

The KwaZulu-Natal legislature has declared the National Freedom Party's seat vacant following a Pietermaritzburg High Court judgment involving provincial NFP chairperson Mbali Shinga.

The legislature's Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, said the decision was taken in compliance with the court order and that the next candidate on the party's revised list would be sworn in.

The proposed swearing-in dates are 22 or 23 September at Osizweni Community Hall in Newcastle, Hope Ntanzi reports for ANA.

Shinga is considering an appeal. Her spokesperson said her legal team was reviewing the judgment and the available legal remedies.

The dispute follows a prolonged conflict between Shinga and the NFP over her party membership and position in the provincial legislature. The party had previously sought to replace her after an internal disciplinary process.

The latest ruling follows earlier court proceedings in which Shinga obtained temporary relief concerning her removal. The NFP subsequently terminated her membership again and pursued her removal from the legislature.

The NFP welcomed the latest judgment and maintained that Shinga remained expelled from the party.

Shinga, meanwhile, called on party members and supporters to remain calm and said legal matters should be dealt with through the courts.

The development comes ahead of South Africa's 4 November local government elections.