Tension rises as MKP takes aim at premier

KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli has assured residents that the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) is stable, despite a looming motion of no confidence initiated against him by the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).

- SIPHO JACK

The political landscape in the province faces potential upheaval as MKP has sought alliances with the EFF and the National Freedom Party (NFP) to unseat Ntuli and would then give rise to a rerun of provincial elections.

The backdrop for the MKP's motion of no confidence stemmed from perceived discontent within the coalition that comprises various political entities.

In a letter to the Speaker of the legislature, the MKP expressed its confidence in garnering sufficient support to bring down Ntuli's administration.

This alliance intentionally excludes the IFP, which holds a bloc of 15 seats in the 80-member legislature, as the IFP continues to support Ntuli.

Should the MKP draw the EFF and NFP into its corner, the legislative power balance would result in an even 40-40 split between the two alliances.

This deadlock would prevent any government legislation from passing and could render the provincial government incapacitated.

The MKP commands 37 seats, the EFF holds two, and the NFP maintains one seat, whereas the ANC has 14 seats and the DA landed 11.