National Freedom Party says it has lost faith in KZN Premier Thami Ntuli ahead of no confidence vote
A key partner in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) has stated that it has lost faith in the leadership of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli.
The National Freedom Party (NFP) has suggested that it might be better to allow the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), the largest party in the province, to lead the government.
The stance of the NFP, comes as the MKP has put forward a motion of no confidence against the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, which is set to be debated in the coming days, could spell an end to the Government of Provincial Unity.
In a statement, NFP president Ivan Barnes expressed that the GPU has not lived up to its founding principles.
“The founding principles of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) were anchored on clean and transparent governance, efficient delivery of services to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, and the creation of an environment conducive to investment. Central to this vision was an integrated approach to service delivery, with municipalities at the core, as they are the first point of contact with our people.
“Unfortunately, what has transpired stands in stark contrast to these principles. At both political and governance levels, there have been no meaningful reviews of the performance of party deployees from all political parties.
“Instead, we have witnessed a steady erosion of public trust — the very trust that the people of KwaZulu-Natal have placed in all partners of the GPU. Furthermore, instances of financial mismanagement and wasteful expenditure, including unnecessary international trips by the Premier, have deeply undermined confidence in the GPU.
“It is on this basis that the National Freedom Party (NFP) has lost confidence in the Premier,” said Barnes.
He added, “Regrettably, both major partners within the GPU have not demonstrated the honesty and integrity required to sustain genuine cooperation. Our discussions at the formation of the GPU were rooted in a shared commitment to serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal. However, what we have seen in practice — especially within certain municipalities — reveals self-serving behaviour and a lack of mutual understanding.”
The Premier’s office has been approached for comment.