Key Takeaways
- The MK Party (MKP) has threatened legal action against KwaZulu-Natal legislature speaker Nontembeko Nothemba Boyce over the suspension of 36 members for disorderly conduct.
- The suspended members, including 35 from the MKP and one from the EFF, will be barred from participating in five sittings, starting from January 12, 2026.
- The suspensions were imposed after a chaotic sitting in which MKP members allegedly attempted to prevent Boyce from leaving the house and clashed with police.
- The MKP has labelled the suspensions as "unlawful and politically dangerous", while KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli has defended Boyce’s actions, saying discipline is necessary to preserve the integrity of the legislature.
Introduction to the Incident
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature has been embroiled in controversy after a chaotic sitting last week, which resulted in the suspension of 36 members for disorderly conduct. The incident occurred after a failed motion of no confidence in KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli, which was brought by the MK Party (MKP). The motion was ruled to have failed after MKP and EFF members refused to participate in the vote, leaving Ntuli in office. The chaos erupted in the chamber after the ruling, with MKP members allegedly attempting to prevent the speaker, Nontembeko Nothemba Boyce, from leaving the house.
The Suspension of Members
Boyce confirmed that 35 MKP members and one EFF MPL were sanctioned for what she described as "gross disorderly, violent and unlawful conduct" during the legislature sitting. The suspensions were imposed in terms of the legislature’s standing rules, with Boyce acting to restore order in the house. The suspended members will be barred from participating in five sittings, starting from the first sitting scheduled for January 12, 2026. The MKP has indicated that it is considering legal action against Boyce, labelling the suspensions as "unlawful and politically dangerous". The party’s chief whip, Siphiwe Moyo-Mbatha, criticised Boyce’s decision, saying that there was "no procedural fairness" in the imposition of the suspensions.
Reaction from the Premier
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli has defended Boyce’s actions, saying that discipline is necessary to preserve the integrity of the legislature. Speaking in an interview on SABC, Ntuli said that the speaker was empowered by legislative prescripts to act when conduct in the house undermines its work. "For any action, there are consequences. To maintain the decorum of the house, the speaker has in fact prescripts that empower her to ensure that, as the elected people’s representatives, we represent the interests of the people solely inside the house," he said. Ntuli added that discipline should apply equally to all members, regardless of political affiliation, and that the speaker has a responsibility to take action when the house is turned into a "chaotic environment".
Impact of the Suspensions
The suspensions are expected to have a significant impact on proceedings when the KZN legislature reconvenes in January. The absence of 36 members, including 35 from the MKP, will likely affect the balance of power in the house and may influence the outcome of future votes. The MKP has threatened to take legal action against Boyce, which could further exacerbate tensions in the legislature. The incident has highlighted the need for discipline and decorum in the house, and the importance of upholding the rules and procedures that govern the legislature.
Conclusion
The suspension of 36 members from the KwaZulu-Natal legislature has sparked controversy and highlighted the need for discipline and decorum in the house. The incident has also raised questions about the balance of power in the legislature and the role of the speaker in maintaining order. As the legislature prepares to reconvene in January, it remains to be seen how the suspensions will affect proceedings and whether the MKP will follow through on its threat of legal action. One thing is certain, however: the incident has underscored the importance of upholding the rules and procedures that govern the legislature, and the need for members to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and becoming of their office.