KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli faces a crucial vote today. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has tabled a motion of no confidence, which could potentially remove the premier from his position.
The motion was brought forward by the MK Party. It is the largest party in the province with 37 seats in the 80-member legislature. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have pledged their support for the motion. The National Freedom Party (NFP) has also indicated it will vote against the premier.
This brings the opposition bloc to a potential 40 votes. However, they need 41 votes for the motion to succeed. This means they require one additional vote from the ruling coalition.
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A deeply divided legislature
The ruling Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) is a coalition. It includes Ntuli’s Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA). The NFP was part of this coalition but has since withdrawn its support.
The political tension has led to planned demonstrations. The MK Party has called for a mass march. Their supporters will gather in Pietermaritzburg to pressure the legislature to “reclaim” leadership.
The IFP and DA have also called for their supporters to picket. They will demonstrate in support of Ntuli and stable governance. The EFF has argued that the largest party should govern the province.
Image: KZN Premier Thami Ntuli. Credit: Independent Newspapers Archives
