The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has tabled a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli in the provincial legislature, citing allegations of financial mismanagement and wasteful expenditure.
This marks the second attempt by the party to unseat the Premier, following a failed effort in October which was dismissed by the legislature’s speaker for procedural irregularities.
The core allegations against Premier Ntuli include a failure to act on alleged corruption involving at least two Members of the Executive Council (MECs) within his administration. A significant point of contention is an international trip to the United States taken by Ntuli and two colleagues, which allegedly cost R2.4 million.
The MK Party has framed this expenditure as irresponsible, arguing the funds should have been directed towards service delivery in a province grappling with the aftermath of floods and mudslides.
Premier Ntuli has previously described the motion as a “politically motivated witch hunt.”
Proceedings in the legislature were underway, with the speaker presiding over the meeting to determine if the motion would be accepted for debate. The MK Party has also requested that any vote on the motion be conducted via a secret ballot.
The motion faces a significant political hurdle. The MK Party holds 37 seats in the 80-seat legislature. To pass the motion, they would require the support of other parties. This would include the EFF, the NFP, which holds one seat, and at least one more vote from either the DA, ANC, or Ntuli’s own party, the IFP—a scenario considered highly unlikely.
A spokesperson for the MK Party, speaking from the legislature, launched a sharp critique of the current administration. “The government in KZN is poorly performing. They don’t know what they should do. That premier is just a clown who doesn’t have what it takes,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson further argued that the MK Party, which received about 45% of the vote in last year’s provincial elections, is the “only credible voice” for the people, claiming the current coalition government of the ANC, DA, IFP, and NFP was formed to “suppress the voice of the majority.”
The party expressed hope that members of the provincial legislature would “appeal to their conscience” and support the motion for the sake of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The outcome of the speaker’s decision on whether the motion will proceed is awaited.