A move by uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party to submit a motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli is testing the already strained relations between the ANC and the IFP.
These parties govern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in a coalition with the DA and NFP. The MK party’s motion could succeed if it gains support from disgruntled ANC members.
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Motion hits a procedural snag
KZN Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce has flagged the motion. She stated it did not meet the required standards under the legislature’s rules. Boyce’s office has informed the MK party on how to correctly table the motion.
The party must now resubmit it in compliance with the rules. The motion accuses Ntuli of using his office to advance the IFP’s political interests. It also cites alleged financial mismanagement and a loss of administrative control.
The government of provincial unity (GPU) was formed after the 2024 elections when no single party won an outright majority. The MK party, despite winning the most votes (45%), was left out of power. The IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP combined their seats to form a government. This coalition now hangs in the balance.
Tensions have been rising between the IFP and the ANC. The ANC accuses an IFP MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, of undermining it. This happened after the removal of an ANC mayor in the uMkhanyakude district.
The ANC provincial leadership has not yet taken a formal position on the motion. They have called for urgent meetings with the IFP to resolve their differences. However, the ANC Youth League has openly called for the party to exit the GPU. They believe the coalition is damaging the ANC.
Premier Ntuli insists his government is stable and focused on service delivery. He highlighted efforts to fight crime and attract investment to the province. The future of KZN’s leadership now depends on the MK party’s next move and the outcome of talks between the uneasy coalition partners.
Image: KZN Premier Thami Ntuli at the KZN Legislature in June 2024. Photo: Nqubeko Mbhele
