Key Takeaways:
- The MK Party’s motion of no confidence in KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli failed due to a lack of support from the governing coalition.
- The vote was marked by high drama, including a 20-minute singing protest by MK Party and EFF members, and a subsequent clash with police.
- The speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, ruled that the vote would be conducted openly, despite concerns from the MK Party about threats against their members.
- The opposition parties claimed that their members had received threatening messages, but Boyce was not convinced that this warranted a secret ballot.
- The failure of the motion has highlighted the deep divisions within the KZN legislature and the tensions between the governing coalition and the opposition parties.
Introduction to the Drama
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature was thrown into chaos on Monday as the MK Party’s motion of no confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli failed. The drama began when MK Party and EFF members broke into a series of struggle songs, protesting against speaker Nontembeko Boyce’s ruling that the vote should be conducted openly. The singing protest lasted for over 20 minutes, and the members were eventually ejected from the house for the disruption. However, after a meeting between Boyce and the whips of the parties, order was temporarily restored, and the members were allowed to return to the house.
The Vote and its Aftermath
When the members returned, they resumed their singing, and were joined by MK Party members in the public gallery, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and MK youth league leader Qiniso Cibane. Boyce reiterated that voting would be done openly, and announced that those sitting down would be counted as voting against the motion, while those standing at their designated seats would be counted as supporting the motion. The motion ultimately failed, as all 40 members of the governing coalition – the ANC, DA, IFP, and NFP – remained seated, leaving only the 39 members of the opposition standing. The failure of the motion sparked chaotic scenes, with police being called in to restore order, and clashes breaking out between police and members of the opposition parties.
Threats and Intimidation
The MK Party had earlier called for a secret ballot, citing threats against their members. Bonginkosi Mngadi, the MK Party chief whip, read out a message allegedly sent to party member Musa Mkhize by an anonymous person, which warned that the party’s members would be targeted if they supported the motion. Fellow MK Party member Sello Magubane confirmed that members had received similar threats, and Mngadi demanded that voting be done through a secret ballot to protect their members and anyone who may wish to vote in their favour. However, Boyce was not convinced by the party’s motivation for a secret vote, and ruled that the importance of transparency and public accountability in the legislature outweighed the concerns about threats.
The Speaker’s Ruling
Boyce’s ruling was based on the fact that the members who were mentioned in the threatening message had already participated openly in the debate, making their stance public. She also highlighted that the normal political tensions inherent in a democracy may lead to some level of intimidation, but this did not necessarily warrant a secret ballot. Boyce emphasized the importance of transparency and public accountability in the legislature, and stated that she was unaware of any evidence that suggested violence or threats would prevent members from exercising their vote in accordance with their conscience. The speaker’s ruling was seen as a significant factor in the failure of the motion, as it allowed the governing coalition to maintain their unity and vote against the motion.
The Consequences of the Failure
The failure of the motion has significant implications for the KZN legislature, and highlights the deep divisions within the province. The opposition parties have expressed their outrage and disappointment at the outcome, and have vowed to continue their fight against the governing coalition. The MK Party, in particular, has been vocal about their concerns regarding the threats and intimidation they claim to have faced, and have called for greater protection for their members. The failure of the motion also raises questions about the ability of the opposition parties to effectively challenge the governing coalition, and whether they will be able to regain momentum in the future.
Conclusion
The drama and chaos that marked the vote of no confidence in Thami Ntuli has highlighted the tense and divided nature of the KZN legislature. The failure of the motion has significant implications for the province, and raises questions about the ability of the opposition parties to effectively challenge the governing coalition. The incident has also raised concerns about the level of intimidation and threats faced by members of the opposition parties, and the need for greater protection and support for those who are seeking to hold the government accountable. As the legislature moves forward, it is clear that the tensions and divisions that were on display during the vote will continue to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the province.
