The NFP says there is a plot to deregister it from the IEC.
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The NFP in KwaZulu-Natal says it has intercepted a plot to prevent the party from contesting the upcoming local government elections.
In an internal memorandum to the party leadership, which was sent by the Acting Secretary-General, Sunset Xaba, on Tuesday, he said his office has received information that certain disgruntled members of the party have approached the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
He said the intention was to remove the names of the current leadership as accountable officials and prevent the party from contesting the 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. It has come to our attention that a group of ill-disciplined and rogue elements within the party has approached the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) 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,” read the memo
Xaba described these actions as not only reckless but also a direct attack on the democratic mandate of the party and its members.
He stated that these individuals, numbering approximately 15 and known to the leadership, falsely claim to act in the interest of the NFP while actively collaborating with individuals and political formations that have historically sought to weaken and destabilise the organisation. Some of these collaborators include people who were previously expelled from the party.
He vowed to name and shame these members, stating that the leadership is assessing the matter and will formally communicate the names involved through relevant organisational processes.
“We, therefore, call upon all NFP leaders and members across all structures to remain vigilant and cautious. 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,” concludes the memo.
Xaba confirmed the communique; however, he said the matter would be communicated to the public in due course.
IEC spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal Thabani Ngwira said he was unaware of the issue and promised to investigate.