uMkhonto Wesizwe Party's No-Confidence Motion Against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamisanqa Ntuli Fails

The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party has failed in its attempt to topple KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamisanqa Ntuli from his position by bringing a vote of no confidence against him.

The MK Party, in alliance with the EFF, tabled the motion in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Monday and accused Ntuli of failing to deliver on his mandate as the political head of the province. Ntuli was also accused of giving priority to municipalities governed by his party, the IFP.

"KwaZulu-Natal is burning, and the premier has only a teaspoon of water to fight flames,” was a sentiment that the MK Party shared in the build-up to the vote.

MK Party member Sizwe Mbatha said Ntuli lacked the political weight and leadership capacity required to confront KwaZulu-Natal’s crises.

The outcome followed a public indication by National Freedom Party (NFP) leader and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, that she would defy her party’s directive to support the no-confidence motion.

In addition, Government of National Unity (GNU) parties, including the DA and ANC, remained supportive of the premier, criticising the MK Party’s attempt to remove Ntuli.

The MK Party required 41 votes to remove the premier. It had already secured 37 votes, and the EFF was going to contribute an additional two, bringing the total to 39, which was still short of the required majority. As a result, the motion failed, allowing Ntuli to retain his position as premier of the province.

DAILY NEWS