Political tensions rise in KwaZulu-Natal as MKP targets Premier Ntuli

KwaZulu-Natal's premier, Thami Ntuli, has assured residents that the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) remains stable, despite a looming motion of no confidence initiated by the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) against him.

The political landscape in the province faces potential upheaval as the MKP has sought alliances with the EFF and the National Freedom Party (NFP) to unseat Ntuli and would then give rise to a rerun of provincial elections.

The backdrop for the MKP’s motion of no confidence stemmed from perceived discontent within the coalition that comprises various political entities.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the legislature, the MKP expressed its confidence in garnering sufficient support to bring down Ntuli's administration.

This alliance, however, intentionally excludes the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which holds a significant bloc of 15 seats in the 80-member legislature, as the IFP continues to support Ntuli.

Should the MKP successfully draw the EFF and NFP into its corner, the legislative power balance would result in an even 40-40 split between the two alliances.

This deadlock would prevent any government legislation from passing and could render the provincial government incapacitated.

Currently, the MKP commands 37 seats, the EFF holds two, and the NFP maintains one seat, whereas the African National Congress (ANC) has 14 seats and the Democratic Alliance (DA) landed 11.

Notably, the NFP's president, Ivan Barnes, has aligned with the no-confidence motion, while Premier Ntuli's Member of the Executive Council (MEC), Mbali Shinga, has dismissed the move, indicating divisions within the NFP’s circles.

Barnes stated that the reason they wanted to exit the GPU was the “Big Brother” mentality that was exhibited by the IFP.

He pointed out that when the IFP sought the premiership position, they called the NFP to meetings; now that they are in power, they do not listen to his party any longer.

Barnes emphasised that as a party, they were not interested in deployment but in respect.

“We don't serve for positions; we serve for principles. We are not driven by power but by purpose. We don't trust the honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli,” he added.

He questioned why everyone panicked when they hear of the MKP, as if KwaZulu-Natal would perish if the MKP were in power.

“No, nothing will happen; the MKP voted for Panyaza Lesufi to take Gauteng,” Barnes highlighted.

Despite the political turbulence, Premier Ntuli remained resolute.

In an interview with the Daily News, he stated, "There is no issue, and even within one party that is part of the GPU, you saw the contrasting or conflicting statements."

He articulated that the coalition was initially designed to accommodate differing political views and will inevitably require constructive dialogue to address any emerging concerns.

Emphasising unity, Ntuli pointed out that recent engagements with coalition partners in eNquthu, uMlalazi, and Mpofana demonstrate a commitment to serving the province rather than engaging in power struggles.

"We are continuing to serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal," he said and stressing that the coalition's focus was pressing matters such as unemployment, crime, and poverty facing the community.

Political analyst Levy Ndou said the situation unfolding in the Provincial Government of Unity (PGU) is a clear sign that things were not well.

“If you reach a point where other parties that are part of the government go all out like they have done indicates that there could have been attempts to have discussions to raise their concerns.

"It could be that such conversations took place, and what I think the strategy is to go out to the public and say we have engaged the IFP and reached a point where we feel that things are going awry,” Ndou said.

The analyst noted that this presents an opportunity for other parties that want to see the collapse of the GPU to be part of the government.

"This will be an opportune time for the MKP to take advantage of this situation, which is why there are discussions between the NFP and other parties.”

He, however, advised the NFP to focus on the unity of its organisation, stating that the bickering would not be beneficial for a “small” party like it, resulting in division and devastation

“It is also very interesting that at the press conference, there is always an emphasis by the NFP president (Barnes) that this is the position taken by the leadership of the NFP,” Ndou concluded.

DAILY NEWS