KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga politically relieved with the withdrawal of the expulsion decision taken by the National Freedom Party's (NFP) disciplinary process. Last year, Shinga was decided to be expelled by the NFP national executive committee for not supporting the vote of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and not complying with party instructions. However, the NFP reviewed the decision within the scope of fair process and the right to appeal and granted Shinga the right to appeal. The party decided to establish an appeals court to evaluate Shinga's appeal. NFP's acting general secretary Sunset Bheki Xaba stated that this decision was made in line with the party's constitution and principles of commitment to democratic processes. Previously, in a disciplinary investigation conducted by an external panel, Shinga was found to have committed irregularities and serious insubordination. Shinga's expulsion could have affected the power balance of the coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal. The coalition consists of ANC, Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance, and NFP and holds 41 of the 80 seats in the provincial assembly. The largest party, MK Party, is trying to form a minority government with 37 seats. Shinga's lawyer had sent a letter stating that the expulsion decision was not finalized and that she should not be removed from the assembly before internal appeal processes are completed.