IFP defends Premier Ntuli amid MK Party's Motion of No Confidence
The political waters in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have become turbulent as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) confirmed the filing of a Motion of No Confidence against the province’s Premier, Thami Ntuli.
The motion of no confidence was formally submitted on Monday by UMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) leader Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, during the KZN Legislature.
In an interview with IOL, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the IFP national spokesperson, addressed the unfolding drama, firmly expressing his party’s backing for Premier Ntuli, an IFP senior leader.
“The unwarranted motion has been brought to our attention,” Hlengwa stated.
“Our focus remains service delivery and development for the people of KZN, whilst typically the directionless MKP is caught up in theatrics. We have full confidence in Premier Ntuli and the Government of National Unity he leads in the province.”
In his letter, Chiliza requested the urgent convening of a special sitting within two weeks to debate and vote on the motion.
Chiliza’s letter paints a grim picture of the current state of leadership under Premier Ntuli.
“The Office of the Premier is evidently suffering from disarray and absence of decisive leadership. Under Premier Ntuli, governance has lost direction, and administrative control over provincial departments is weak.”
Central to MKP’s accusations are allegations of financial mismanagement, particularly around the Premier’s recent trip to New York, which reportedly cost approximately R7 million.
Chiliza also highlighted a critical breach of trust, pointing to contradictions in Ntuli’s sworn testimony during a legislature session in March 2025.
MKP further charged the Premier with using official government events as platforms to further the political interests of the IFP.
“This is a clear breach of neutral public service obligations and violates ethical and constitutional norms for public representatives,” the statement read.
The MKP statement was unequivocal about the seriousness of the situation.
“Giving misleading information under oath is a grave violation of the oath of the Office and qualifies as serious misconduct under section 130(3)(b) of the Constitution, eroding public confidence in his ability to lead.”
The KZN legislature had not responded by the time of publication. Lindelani Mbatha, the Premier’s spokesperson, said he would check if anything had been communicated to Ntuli’s office.
Contacted for comment, Shirley Willemse, MKP’s deputy provincial co-ordinator, declined to elaborate.
She explained that the party holds regular meetings involving the legislature and provincial leadership, including the newly appointed provincial secretary, where all critical matters are addressed.
She indicated that the party would issue statements after these deliberations conclude.
The political landscape in KZN remains highly competitive.
In the 2024 general elections, MKP emerged as the largest party in the province, grabbing 45.35% of the vote.
The African National Congress (ANC), long dominant in the region, suffered heavy losses, securing only 16.99% of the vote and 14 seats out of the 80-seat provincial legislature.
The IFP also made notable gains, winning 18.07%, translating into 15 seats.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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