National Freedom Party (NFP) President Ivan Barnes

National Freedom Party (NFP) President Ivan Barnes says the party’s decision to reconsider its participation in KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) is a matter of principle, not political strategy. Speaking during a media briefing, Barnes said the NFP can no longer be part of a government that has lost its moral compass and drifted away from the promises made to the people of KZN.

Barnes took aim at Premier Thami Ntuli’s leadership, saying accountability has “withered” under his administration. “The people of KwaZulu-Natal are demanding answers we cannot provide because of this government’s silence and exclusion,” he said.

According to Barnes, the GPU, which was meant to promote collaboration among different parties for the benefit of the province, has instead turned into what he calls a “government of corruption.” He said the NFP is deeply troubled by what it perceives as growing dishonesty and a lack of transparency within the coalition.“We cannot continue to undermine our people,” Barnes declared. “This government of unity has become a government of corruption. The lies must stop now — and we are not alone in this disappointment.”

His remarks suggest that the NFP may soon make a formal decision about its role in the coalition, a move that could shift the balance of power in the province. Barnes added that the party will consult its structures and supporters before taking any final steps.

Political analysts believe the NFP’s withdrawal could deepen instability within the provincial government, already facing public criticism over service delivery and governance issues.

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