A motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli was defeated at the Provincial Legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, bringing months of political tension in the province to a head.
The motion was tabled by the MK Party, which accused Ntuli and the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) of financial mismanagement, poor governance, and failing to tackle unemployment and poverty.
Proceedings descended into chaos after the Speaker ruled that the vote would be conducted by an open ballot. MK Party MPLs objected to the decision, leading to clashes with police inside the legislature. Punches were reportedly thrown, and one MPL had to be transported by ambulance for medical treatment.
MK Party Secretary-General Bongani Mncwango criticised the outcome, describing it as “justice denied by the people ruling the GPU.” He also labelled the decision to hold an open vote as “problematic.”
The IFP and the Democratic Alliance voted against the motion, while the Economic Freedom Fighters supported it. The vote marked the culmination of prolonged political instability and divisions within the provincial legislature.
IFP Youth Brigade National Chairperson Sanele Zondo blamed the disruption on calls for a secret ballot, saying it was this demand that triggered the unrest.
Premier Ntuli dismissed the disturbances as deliberate attempts to derail proceedings. “They were just creating chaos,” he said.
“It is a shame that, while the people of KwaZulu-Natal expect leaders to take decisions that address their challenges, we instead see the MK Party and the EFF joining forces to create unnecessary chaos and baseless accusations,” Ntuli added. “Because they want power at all costs, they are prepared to disrupt the house.”
The legislature has since restored order, with the Premier retaining his position following the failed motion.