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DA Blocks MK Party’s Bid to Remove KZN Premier Thami Ntuli
A political showdown that never stood a chance
KwaZulu-Natal’s political stage has seen its fair share of dramatic moments, but the latest bid to remove Premier Thami Ntuli never quite reached full flame. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party pushed for a no-confidence vote, presenting itself as the true voice of the province, yet the effort collapsed before it could gather momentum.
The Democratic Alliance made its stance clear from the start. Its provincial executive committee rejected the motion outright, arguing that it was an attempt to cause instability at a time when KwaZulu-Natal needs consistent and credible leadership. The party’s provincial chairperson, Dean Macpherson, said the proposal strayed from what residents actually want, which is a government focused on service delivery rather than political theatre.
What sparked the motion
The MK Party has insisted that Premier Ntuli’s position belongs to them because they believe they hold the genuine mandate of KZN voters. They accused the provincial government of mismanaging funds, claims the Premier has firmly denied.
Despite the heated language, Ntuli has not been left to fight alone. His leadership continues to enjoy support from the broader Government of Provincial Unity, which includes the DA, ANC, IFP, and NFP. This backing has remained steady even as political tensions rise across the province.
Why the motion fell apart
The first major blow to the MK Party’s plan came from the ANC. The party confirmed early on that it would not support the motion. Its position was not only consistent with its provincial general council resolutions but also shaped by recent political cooperation with the IFP in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality, which helped the ANC return to power in that region.
There was also a procedural hiccup. When the motion was first submitted last month, the legislature speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, flagged certain irregularities that needed correction before it could proceed. By the time it resurfaced, support for the idea had already weakened.
The bigger picture for KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is no stranger to political contestation and coalition arrangements. Since the establishment of the Government of Provincial Unity, parties have had to navigate complex balances of influence and responsibility. What has become clear is that there is currently little appetite among coalition partners to disrupt leadership or plunge the province into further uncertainty.
Local reaction has reflected this. Many residents have expressed fatigue with political standoffs and prefer a focus on stability and governance rather than constant reshuffling. Social media users have also pointed out that service delivery challenges require collaboration rather than conflict.
For now, Premier Ntuli’s position remains secure, backed by multiple partners who want to keep KwaZulu-Natal on a steady path. The MK Party may continue to challenge the political order, but this attempt shows that the province’s coalition framework holds more weight than individual political manoeuvres.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Polity.org.za
