KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli will continue leading the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) after the ANC, DA and NFP voted against the MKP-motion of confidence on Monday.
The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) filed the motion in October however, it had to be resuscitated last month after the legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, had cited some unprocedural aspects.
During the debate on Monday, the MKP and EFF accused Ntuli of takingfamily members on a New York trip using taxpayers’ money, howeve the GPU members defended Ntuli.
The voting continued despite disruptions by the MKP and EFF members who demanded a secret vote. Boyce had earlier suspended the sitting to consult with the presiding officers. After more than an hour of disruption, Boyce emerged and announced that voting would continue and would be by open ballot.
Boyce shouted that those who support the motion must stand up, however the opposition members continued singing. She then called on those against the motion to stand up. All GPU members including the NFP’s Mbali Shinga stood up to dismiss the motion and the Speaker announced that the motion was dismissed.
Prior to Monday’s voting, the GPU’s future hinged on Shinga’s defiance of her party’s boss Ivan Barnes, who watched from the gallery – Barnes had insisted that Shinga would vote in support of the motion. Barnes’ National Executive Committee had announced its support of the MKP motion. The sitting was also attended by MKP leader Jacob Zuma and the ANC’s Jeff Radebe.
“The motion is unsuccessful, therefore the sitting is adjourned,” announced Boyce.
She then called police to remove MKP and EFF members who continued with disruptions after voting and they refused to leave the chamber.
The sitting had earlier degenerated into chaos after Boyce ruled against the request for a secret vote. The MKP’s chief whip Bonginkosi Mngadi had asked for a secret ballot citing the threats that his party members had received, however, Boyce said she saw no reason for a secret vote.
She challenged the opposition to go to court if they were not satisfied with her decision.
Tensions were also high outside the legislature with MKP and GPU supporters out on their numbers to show support for their respective parties.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za
