The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) has been embroiled in a controversial plot to overthrow the KwaZulu-Natal government of provincial unity (GPU) led by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). The motion, which was initially set for debate, faced hurdles as the speaker of the KZN legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, did not confirm its validity.
The alliance between the ANC, IFP, Democratic Alliance (DA), and National Freedom Party (NFP) seemed solid, but cracks began to show with internal strife within the NFP. NFP President Irvin Barnes claimed authority over the party’s decisions, but his legislative caucus contradicted him by affirming their support for the GPU.
Amidst this political turmoil, the former president Jacob Zuma-led MK party is reportedly seeking support from the ANC to oust IFP provincial chairman Thami Ntuli as premier. The MK party is also considering collaboration with the IFP if the ANC chooses to align with the opposition.
However, the ANC remains non-committal on the motion of no confidence, citing mistrust towards the IFP. The ANC’s diminished legislative presence after the 2024 elections has left the GPU vulnerable, with the MK party holding a majority of seats but relegated to the opposition.
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu predicts that the motion is unlikely to succeed due to the NFP’s internal power struggles and the lack of support from other parties. With the EFF holding two seats and the NFP seeking unity, the political landscape in KZN remains uncertain.
As the NFP prepares for a media briefing to present a united front, the future of the GPU hangs in the balance. Despite tensions between parties and leadership struggles, the fate of the provincial government remains uncertain as political alliances and power dynamics continue to shift.
