Internal ructions apparently led to the party almost losing the opportunity to contest the upcoming elections.
Image: Supplied
A dramatic internal power struggle has erupted within the National Freedom Party (NFP) in KwaZulu-Natal, after the party leadership claimed it had intercepted a plot aimed at blocking the organisation from contesting the upcoming local government elections.
In a strongly worded internal memorandum circulated to party leaders and members on Tuesday, Acting Secretary-General Sunset Xaba warned that a group of disgruntled members had allegedly approached the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in an attempt to alter the party’s official leadership records.
According to Xaba, the alleged move sought to remove the names of the current NFP leadership as accountable officials registered with the IEC and to revoke Sections 9 and 12 — steps that could effectively prevent the party from participating in the upcoming municipal elections.
“The Office of the Acting Secretary General wishes to bring to the attention of all leaders and members of the party a very serious matter concerning the integrity and stability of our organisation,” the memo states.
“It has come to our attention that a group of ill-disciplined and rogue elements within the party has approached the Independent Electoral Commission with a demand that the current leadership of the NFP be removed from the IEC records and that Sections 9 and 12 be revoked, with the intention of preventing the NFP from participating in the upcoming local government elections.”
Xaba described the alleged actions as reckless and said they represented a direct attack on the democratic mandate of the party and its membership.
He further claimed that about 15 individuals were believed to be involved in the attempt, accusing them of falsely presenting themselves as acting in the interests of the party while allegedly collaborating with external political actors who had historically sought to weaken the NFP.
Some of the individuals linked to the alleged manoeuvre were said to include former members who had previously been expelled from the party.
Xaba warned that the leadership was assessing the matter and that the names of those allegedly involved would be formally communicated through internal party processes.
“We therefore call upon all NFP leaders and members across all structures to remain vigilant and cautious,” he said.
“At times we may unknowingly engage with individuals who present themselves as comrades while simultaneously working against the interests of the organisation. It is important that we guard the unity and integrity of the NFP with the highest level of discipline and political maturity.”
Xaba confirmed the authenticity of the memo but said the matter would be communicated publicly in due course.
Meanwhile, IEC spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal Thabani Ngwira said he was unaware of the allegations but indicated that the commission would look into the matter.
DAILY NEWS