Thwala was dismissed at a hearing held in his absence
Thwala cannot be suspended or disciplined until an earlier court challenge to the December 2023 conference outcome has been completed
A separate court matter involving the party’s estranged leaders will be heard on Friday
The party’s single seat holds the balance of power in the province
Down in the kingdom, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is also cleaning house
The NF party wants a provincial cabinet seat in return for its support
The National Freedom Party still has to navigate two court cases and a liquidation battle
Members say outcome of December conference was manipulated
The party has until next March to elect a unified national leadership if it wants to contest the 2024 polls
The party needs to settle its internal battles if it hopes to contest the elections
Leadership tension and a coalition backlash are the first hurdles the party faces
Both parties could be liquidated, a first in South African history
The party is also dealing with an internal revolt by its councillors over its coalition with the ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters