Discontent claims first NFP casualty

THE infighting within the embattled NFP has claimed its first casualty: its treasurer-general, Xolani Ndlovu, was expelled from the party yesterday.

Ndlovu’s expulsion comes after the party instituted a disciplinary hearing where he faced several charges.

The charges arose from the party’s disqualification from contesting the municipal elections last month, after it failed to pay the required deposit.

Ndlovu’s expulsion also comes amid suspension of two MPs, Maliyakhe Shelembe and Sicelo Mabika, after they allegedly did not co-operate with forensic investigation into the party’s finances following the non-payment of rent for constituency offices and staff salaries.

Another MP, former secretary-general Nhlanhla Khuissa, and youth movement leader Sibusiso Mncwabe, plus the party’s parliamentary staff, are expected to be interviewed by forensic investigators this week.

Acting national chairman, Bheki Gumbi, said Ndlovu had faced five charges, including misappropriation of party funds; gross dishonesty or corruption; false representation or deception within the party with an intention of advancing one’s selfish motives; and failing to register the party with the IEC for elections.

Gumbi said the former treasurer-general did not attend the hearings, but was represented by party member, Boyce Gumede.

“This was a difficult process, emotionally draining, but we had to do it and make sure that we followed all due and legal processes to ensure that it was dealt with effectively and efficiently,” Gumbi said.

Neither Gumede nor Ndlovu were available for comment. Meanwhile, “concerned” NFP leaders have raised their unhappiness with the way some things were done in the party, saying there were people causing infighting and who should not be holding leadership positions.

They questioned the legitimacy of the NFP leaders calling the shots, saying they had no authority to suspend and expel members.

At a media briefing in Durban, Layidliva Mbuthuma, a member of the national working committee and Ugu chairman, said it was embarrassing that their colleagues were running the organisation as if it was a spaza shop, and everyone was in charge, though not elected into leadership positions.

“We know our leader is unwell and her health condition makes some colleagues do things in her name. Some are not NFP members. The question is whether our leader is sending them,” Mbuthuma said. He said the suspended Mabika ought to call a meeting of the NWC urgently so that they could decide on the future of the party.

Nomonde Buthelezi, youth leader and NWC member, said they were disturbed with the unfolding of events in the NFP.

She called on NFP leaders such as deputy president Alex Kekana, Mabika, KZN chairman Vikizitha Mlotshwa and other NWC members to defend the party’s constitution.

Responding to the “concerned” members, Gumbi dismissed the claims, saying they were causing confusion and creating the impression there was division. He also said the group was friendly with suspended leaders and members whom they did not want investigated.

“They should allow investigations to take place so that we can find out why the party did not participate in the elections,” he said.

Gumbi also said the group did not accept the return of Zanele Magwaza-Msibi.