UPDATED: ANC KZN's Deputy Convenor dismisses No-Confidence Motion Against Premier Thami Ntuli

ANC KwaZulu-Natal's second deputy convenor, Siboniso Duma, has dismissed the MK Party’s no-confidence motion against Premier Thami Ntuli.

Duma affirmed that the Government of Provincial Unity's (GPU) caucus remained united. He said that nothing will come of the motion and urged the MK Party to focus instead on helping South Africans stranded in Russia.

“We are not going to support the motion of no confidence against the premier. We are not bothered by that; we are only concerned about what is going to happen this festive season. Will our people receive service delivery?

"Is the city going to attract tourists this festive? Are we going to secure enough investors? That’s what occupies our minds,” Duma said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Provincial Chairperson Mongezi Twala confirmed that they were in talks with other parties to ensure they have enough votes to support the lobby, led by the MK Party, to oust Ntuli.

“This government (GPU) is directionless; they don’t have any tangible solutions to restore the hope of our people.

We are going to work with the MK Party and any political party that is willing to join us on this motion of no confidence. I can confirm that we are still in talks. Nothing has been concluded as yet.”

The MK Party also confirmed that discussions with other political parties were in progress to secure enough votes to support the motion that has been tabled.

A well-placed source, who was familiar with negotiations with parties amenable to the motion of no confidence, told the Daily News that the MKP would have control of the province at the end of the day on Monday.

The Speaker of the provincial legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, previously confirmed that the process will unfold in Pietermaritzburg on Monday.

“You can take it from me that the MK Party will take premiership on Monday, with the EFF and NFP's support. Their alliance will bring the split to 40/40; however, the MK Party-aligned coalition has a trick up their sleeve, you just watch and see,” the source said.

The MKP has 37 seats and needs at least 41 votes in the 80-seat legislature for the vote to succeed. The EFF, which has two seats in the legislature, has stated that it will support the MK Party’s motion.

Members of the business community have expressed grave concerns regarding the impending motion against Premier Ntuli.

Speaking anonymously to the Daily News, a representative urged for stability, continuity, and predictable governance at a pivotal moment for the province amidst political turmoil.

The representative highlighted the positive strides made under the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) over the past year, particularly in rekindling investor confidence, enhancing service delivery, and fostering collaboration with the private sector.

“Premier Ntuli's consultative leadership style has been integral in promoting cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure development, tourism recovery, and job creation,” said the source.

KwaZulu-Natal has weathered a decade beset by economic disruptions, infrastructural challenges, and social instability, all of which have underscored a stark reality: increasing political uncertainty correlates with a slowdown in investment.

“In uncertain environments,” the representative warned, “investment decisions are delayed or shifted elsewhere, stalling crucial infrastructure and developmental projects. This inevitably leads to slower job creation and gives rival provinces and international destinations a competitive edge.”

Instead, the business community feels a pressing need for constructive dialogue and internal consultations among political factions. The representative firmly believed that now was not the time for legislative inertia.

“While we respect the democratic right to express dissent and engage in debate, it is imperative that political parties prioritise the continuity of governance,” he said.

The collective viewpoint among business stakeholders posits that KwaZulu-Natal's economic future hinges on the partnership between government, the private sector, and civil society. The focus must remain on creating a secure, attractive destination for investment.

“KwaZulu-Natal's prosperity depends on continuity and collaboration. Instability jeopardises investments and hampers the progress our communities so urgently need,” the representative added.

However, political analyst Professor Siphamandla Zondi said that the motion of no confidence was largely used to put government under pressure or to force accountability.

Zondi added that this was a political strategy being used willy-nilly without having a convincing case, and the prospect of gaining the support of other parties enough to get the motion carried.

“It does not seem in this case that the parties have something major on the premier such as a violation of rules, ethical codes, or a series of harmful political decisions.

"In fact, the current premier avoided being the sole actor; instead, he got the coalition members to canvass decisions and proceed with them. The motion seems to have little or no prospect of success, just like the previous one,” the political analyst said.

Zondi refuted claims that the removal of Ntuli from office would disrupt business in the province.

“Concerns that this exercise with low prospect of success can disrupt business in the province seem exaggerated. I do not know how an investor thinks twice about a major opportunity merely because the legislature is to field a motion of no confidence that has no prospects of success,” he said.

DAILY NEWS