KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has survived a tense motion of no confidence, but the vote was overshadowed by violent scenes inside the provincial legislature that saw police clash with lawmakers and the Speaker physically manhandled.
The motion, brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), failed after a dramatic open vote that culminated in brawls, the intervention of police, and at least one legislator requiring medical attention.
The day’s turmoil began when Speaker Nomtembeko Boyce ruled against an MKP request for a secret ballot. The MKP had argued its members had received death threats ahead of the crucial vote, a claim supported by a threatening message read aloud in the chamber. However, Speaker Boyce stated nothing had been presented to suggest lawmakers “will be prevented from voting with their conscience,” and ordered an open vote.
This decision ignited immediate protest from MKP members, who chanted and disrupted proceedings for over 30 minutes. The tension was palpable given the razor-thin margins in the 80-seat legislature. The governing coalition, a Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) comprising the ANC, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Democratic Alliance, and the single-seat National Freedom Party (NFP), held a precarious 41 seats. The MKP, with 37 seats, and its ally, the two-seat Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), collectively had 39.
The NFP’s single vote became the focal point. While NFP national leadership had backed the motion, its provincial legislator, Mbali Shinga, signaled during the debate that she would not support it, praising the GPU’s progress. Her apparent defiance effectively doomed the motion.
Despite the MKP’s ongoing disruption, Speaker Boyce proceeded with the vote, instructing members in support to stand, those against to remain seated, and those abstaining to raise their hands. The tally was 40 votes against the motion, with 30 in support. Premier Ntuli survived.
Chaos erupted immediately upon the announcement. MKP members surrounded the podium, with scenes turning physical. Police were called into the chamber as legislators and officers shoved and scuffled. Speaker Boyce was manhandled as she tried to exit. In the confusion, a female legislator fell and required emergency medical attention. Former President and MKP leader Jacob Zuma, who had been present for the debate, had left before the vote and subsequent violence.
Hundreds of party supporters had gathered outside the legislature, though the protest there remained separate from the violence inside.
In the aftermath, IFP leaders, key partners in the GPU, condemned the violence. IFP Provincial Chairperson and Premier Ntuli expressed grave concern. “I’m worried when we have leaders at a provincial government in the legislature attacking a woman in that way,” Ntuli said, referring to the treatment of Speaker Boyce. “It’s a message which is unfair for the situation of stability in this province.”
Albert Mncwango, an IFP Member of the Provincial Legislature, called the behavior “not well for the development” of the province.
The MKP had based its motion on allegations of financial mismanagement against Premier Ntuli, specifically citing irregular expenditure in the Education Department and poor performance in Transport and Health. They accused the premier of failing to hold his executive to account.
Political analysts warn that the day’s events signal a dangerous level of political volatility in the province. Premier Ntuli himself stated he was concerned the chaotic scenes “could lead to political volatility,” a fear underscored by the physical confrontations that marred the democratic process.