KZN' s Government of Provincial Unity faces its first real test as NFP threatens to leave
The Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), led by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), is facing its first real test since its formation after the National Freedom Party (NFP) threatened to leave the political arrangement.
The NFP has indicated its “willingness to leave” the GPU, saying it will throw its weight behind parties committed to service delivery. In a statement, the NFP said it has lost confidence in the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli.
With its single seat in the provincial legislature, the NFP holds the balance of power in the GPU, and its position is important as it contributes to the GPU’s majority in the provincial legislature.
NFP President Ivan Barnes stated, “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.”
He further remarked that recent events stand in stark contrast to these principles.
“At both political and governance levels, there have been no meaningful reviews of the performance of our deployees from all political parties. Instead, we have witnessed a steady erosion of public trust — the trust that the people of KwaZulu-Natal placed in all GPU partners. 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 NFP has lost confidence in the Premier,” he said.
“Regrettably, both major partners (IFP and ANC) 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,” he said.
Barnes accused both parties of having failed to show the necessary political backbone and accountability expected in a government of unity. “This has weakened the foundation of the GPU and betrayed the expectations of our citizens. In the absence of honesty, transparency, and mutual respect among GPU partners, the very essence of the GPU cannot stand.
The unfortunate reality is that it is the people of KwaZulu-Natal — along with stakeholders from business, civil society, and traditional leadership — who suffer most from this political instability and lack of cohesion.”
He mentioned that there are ongoing political discussions among parties in KZN about the province’s future direction. He added that the recent election results clearly show that the electorate expressed overwhelming support for the MK Party (MKP).
“Perhaps it would be wise to allow the MKP to take a leading role in any future provincial governance formation. The NFP is open to working with any political party that prioritises service delivery, transparency, and the creation of an enabling environment for investment and growth. What matters most to us is restoring accountability, rebuilding public trust, and ensuring that the people of KwaZulu-Natal receive the quality services they deserve.”
“Going forward, we believe that regular engagements among political partners — both at a political and governance level — are essential to hold deployees accountable and to develop strategies that restore citizen and investor confidence in the province,” the NFP president concluded.
Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said that a motion of no confidence against the Premier could be effective if the ANC and MKP decide to follow suit.
“Remember, there is a stronger influence of the ANC than IFP in the NFP, going back to its formation. Therefore, the NFP could bargain with the ANC and MKP to retain an MEC deployment. The MKP will insist on the position of the Premier since the numbers are on its side compared to the ANC in the province. The MKP will let the ANC keep the position of the Speaker. The GPU would have collapsed, meaning the ANC in the province is no longer taking directives from the National as it did last year.”
Political analyst and cultural expert Musa Xulu noted that the only way the Premier can be removed is if the ANC backs the motion of no confidence, or if a sizable number of ANC MPLs, up to four, support the motion, and lastly if a significant number of ANC MPLs are absent from the legislature on the day of voting.
“It must be stressed, however, that the KZN GPU, as a coalition of minorities, was always going to be unstable. The 18% of the vote that the IFP obtained is very meagre in political terms and does not correlate to the power it seems to be giving to itself.”
In response to questions, Premier’s spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha said: “Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli and all MEC’s remains steadfastly focused on the critical mandate of delivering efficient and impactful services to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The Government of Provincial Unity stands firm, cohesive, and unwavering in its commitment to advancing the province’s developmental agenda through decisive, service-driven leadership.”