Legislature in turmoil as 36 MPLS suspended

THE political climate in KwaZulu-Natal continues to simmer, with the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) upping the ante with accusations that the Provincial Legislature's Speaker, Nontobeko Boyce (pictured), had used tactics reminiscent of the apartheid era to suppress the party’s democratic rights.

- SIPHO JACK

The assertion came in the wake of Boyce’s controversial decision to suspend 36 Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), following what she deemed as “gross disorderly, violent, and unlawful conduct” during a tumultuous sitting on December 15.

Thirthy-five of the suspended MPLs were MKP members, with the other belonging to the EFF.

Nhlamulo Ndlhela, MKP spokesperson, described the move as a deliberate act of intimidation against party members who had raised a Motion of No Confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli.

"The suspension of our members is a retaliation against our motion," he said in condemning Boyce’s decision, which is regarded as a flaw in judgment. "We will prove that she is wrong legally and procedurally," Ndlhela vowed.