Zuma’s MK Party’s new move to collapse the government in KwaZulu-Natal

Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in KwaZulu-Natal has called for Thursday’s vote of no confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli to be conducted by secret ballot.

If approved, this would be a litmus test for one of the most razor-thin coalitions in the country.

KZN is governed by a fragile, multi-party coalition of the IFP, ANC, DA and the NFP. The governing bloc controls 41 of the legislature’s 80 seats, while the MKP and EFF jointly hold 39.

But the coalition’s stability has been shaken by the NFP, which holds a single but decisive seat, demanding sweeping changes to the provincial executive as a condition for remaining in the Government of Provincial Unity.

This is why the MKP’s push for a secret ballot is so critical: two dissenting members could collapse the governing bloc.

With a public vote, coalition discipline is easier to enforce. With a secret ballot, internal dissent is harder to contain, and the margin for error is only one vote.

NFP President Ivan Barnes has, on multiple occasions, said the party is dissatisfied with the current arrangement and will stay in the GPU only if all ANC MECs are removed, and the IFP recalls Ntuli as premier.

His stance follows an MKP-sponsored no-confidence motion against Ntuli, which Barnes openly supported.

In a statement on October 25, Barnes criticised service delivery under the GPU and signalled openness to an MKP-led administration.

He said that the recent election results showed “overwhelming support” for the party and that it “would be wise” to let it play a leading role in forming a new government.

Barnes confirmed he will meet MKP leaders, insisting that Ntuli “is failing to lead,” and dismissed fears about an MKP-run province.

“Why panic when you hear about uMkhonto weSizwe? Nothing will happen if the MK Party is in power.”

Outcome up in the air

Divisions inside the NFP have further muddied the political waters ahead of Thursday’s no-confidence vote.

Newsday recently reported tensions between the party’s national leadership, its KZN structures and its Youth League over the motion against Ntuli.

The KZN NFP caucus reaffirmed that its MPL and Social Development MEC, Cynthia Mbali Shinga, remains a full, active member of the party and praised her work in government.

The NFP Youth League went further, issuing a statement on 27 October condemning President Ivan Barnes’s comments.

They called them “unconstitutional, undemocratic and politically reckless,” accusing him of bypassing party structures and “sowing instability.”

Some in the party claim Barnes’s stance stems from resentment toward the IFP after he was not offered the Zululand District mayoral post.

The NFP itself is a breakaway from the IFP, formed in 2011 by the late Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi and other former IFP leaders.

Ntuli has rejected claims of weak leadership, saying the provincial government is “stable” and actively tackling corruption, crime and unemployment.

He highlighted planned infrastructure investment and an expected 90,000 new jobs this year.

The strain within the GPU extends beyond the NFP. The ANC Youth League in KZN has called for the party to withdraw from the coalition, accusing the IFP of “betrayal.”

Provincial ANC leaders have also criticised the IFP for unilateral decisions in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality, calling these moves a “power grab” that undermines the unity government.