Coalition Shake-Up: NFP Vows to Back MKP’s Bid to Oust KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli

The fragile Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal is facing its most serious test yet, with the National Freedom Party (NFP) confirming it will support a second motion of no confidence against Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who also serves as provincial chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is preparing to file the motion, aiming to collapse the coalition that has governed the province since the 2024 elections. The NFP’s commitment to back the move, disclosed following meetings with both the MKP and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has revived concerns over the stability of the provincial government.

Meetings and Maneuvers

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, NFP acting Secretary-General Sunset Xaba confirmed that his party had held discussions with the MKP and EFF after earlier meeting with the IFP.

“The MKP proposed tabling another motion of no confidence against Premier Ntuli at the meeting,” Xaba said. “Both the NFP and the EFF agreed to back the motion.”

The NFP’s position, Xaba stressed, remains unchanged despite ongoing engagements with GPU partners. “The NFP reaffirms that it remains outside the KZN-GPU. Our position stands firm: we are content to serve on the opposition benches.”

He added that no commitments or agreements have been made with any party, and further engagements may occur “should they be deemed necessary.”

The Zululand Flashpoint

The tension between the NFP and IFP stems from a dispute over the Zululand District Municipality. According to the NFP, the IFP backtracked on an earlier promise to cede the municipality to the NFP as a “top-up” to the Social Development department it received for joining the coalition.

The IFP has denied making such promises. Party leaders have stated that while the matter was raised, no agreement was reached. More fundamentally, the IFP argues it cannot undermine the will of the people of Zululand, who exercised their democratic right to elect the IFP to govern them.

A Coalition Under Pressure

The NFP’s assurance to the MKP has injected fresh uncertainty into KZN’s political landscape. The GPU, comprising the IFP, ANC, and DA, has governed with the NFP’s external support. If that support evaporates and the MKP’s motion succeeds, the coalition could collapse.

Sunday’s meeting between the IFP and NFP was widely regarded as “make-or-break” given their significant roles. It ended with no agreement and a promise to meet againa promise that now appears overshadowed by the NFP’s parallel discussions with opposition parties.

What Comes Next

The MKP is expected to file its motion in the coming weeks. If the NFP and EFF follow through on their stated positions, the numbers in the provincial legislature could shift decisively against Premier Ntuli.

For the IFP, losing the premiership would be a devastating blow. For the GPU, the test is whether it can hold together a coalition that was always an uneasy alliance of ideological rivals.

For the people of KwaZulu-Natal, the question is simpler: will the government that emerged from the 2024 elections survive, or will the province be plunged into fresh political uncertainty?

The NFP has made its position clear. The MKP has its numbers. Now, the countdown to the motion begins.

{Source: IOL}

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