36 MKP and EFF Members Suspended After No-Confidence Vote Chaos

Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been suspended following chaotic scenes during a motion of no confidence vote in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.

The Speaker of the legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, suspended 36 Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs). Thirty-five belong to the MK Party, while one comes from the EFF. The suspension follows disorder during a sitting held earlier this month.

The chaos erupted during a motion of no confidence against Premier Thamsanqa “Thami” Ntuli. The MKP and EFF tabled the motion, accusing the provincial government of failures in governance and financial management.
Tensions rose when the parties demanded a secret ballot. They argued that members faced intimidation.

Speaker Boyce rejected the request and ruled that the vote would proceed openly, in line with legislative rules.
As voting began, MKP and EFF members disrupted proceedings. They sang, shouted, and banged on desks. The situation escalated and forced security and police officers to intervene inside the chamber.

The House later continued with the vote, and the motion failed.
Speaker Boyce described the conduct as disorderly and unacceptable. She said the suspensions aimed to protect the dignity and authority of the legislature.
The suspended MPLs will not attend sittings for five days. They will also forfeit their salaries during the suspension period.
Premier Ntuli welcomed the decision. He said order must be upheld in democratic institutions.
The MK Party rejected the suspension. The party called it unlawful and politically motivated. It also threatened legal action against the legislature.

The EFF echoed similar concerns and accused the Speaker of bias.
The incident highlights growing political tension in KwaZulu-Natal following the formation of the Government of Provincial Unity after the 2024 elections.

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