Ivan Rowan Barnes

Ivan Barnes is the leader of the National Freedom Party, and its leading candidate on the national list, for the 2024 [South African general election|2024 general election]. He was elected president of the party on 17 December 2023, in an election that was disputed by the party's National Executive Committee. His election was later recognised by the Independent [Electoral Commission |Independent Electoral Commission]. His stint as party president has been marred by infighting. He struggled not only with the former secretary general Canaan Mdletshe, but also with Teddy Thwala, who was elected secretary-general of the party with him. Barnes later suspended fifteen party leaders, but the decision was suspended by the courts in July 2024.