KZN coalition on the brink of collapse

The Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) faces its biggest challenge yet, with a motion of no confidence tabled against Premier Thami Ntuli.

The motion of no confidence was formally submitted by uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) leader Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, in the KZN Legislature. 

KZN is currently governed by a razor-thin majority coalition comprising the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and the National Freedom Party (NFP).

Together they make up 41 of the 80 seats in the legislature, managing to keep out the MKP’s and Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF’s) collective 39 seats, with the IFP’s Ntuli as Premier.

However, this slim majority means that a deflection could see the coalition collapse, with an unhappy ANC having been recently vocal about its discontent with the IFP in the province.

In his letter, Chiliza requested an urgent convening of a special sitting within two weeks to debate and vote on the motion.

“The Office of the Premier is evidently suffering from disarray and absence of decisive leadership. Under Premier Ntuli, governance has lost direction, and administrative control over provincial departments is weak.”

In response, Ntuli, speaking as IFP chair, said the KwaZulu-Natal government is “stable” and “aggressive in fighting corruption and crime.”

“We have seen stats of crime dropping” and “infrastructure investment in the province is pointing to a positive direction.”

On investment, he noted, “Just last year we had more than $80 billion in investment and this year…we are hoping to achieve a target of more than $90 billion in investment, new investment with more than 90,000 job opportunities.”

He dismissed the motion of no confidence as “craziness” and said the IFP ensures “all departments are working and for each and every challenge that we are faced with, we are able to provide solutions.”

ANC KZN Youth League calls for party withdrawal

The ANC Youth League KwaZulu-Natal suggested the party should exit the provincial unity government, claiming the IFP was “betraying” them.

Regarding the ANC Youth League, Ntuli acknowledged their comments, saying they “bring issues that require attention of the parties in the GPU.”

ANC KZN’s Michael Mabuyakhulu responded that the Youth League’s views are important, and the ANC leadership must take them into consideration.

He said the IFP’s actions in Umkhanyabuhle have “become a defining moment in our relations,” and the ANC intends to meet the IFP to “iron out some of the latest developments.”

In early October 2025, the ANC KwaZulu-Natal branch publicly condemned the IFP for what it described as a “power grab” in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality.

The ANC accused the IFP of undermining the GPU by unilaterally appointing officials and making decisions without proper consultation.

He emphasised the ANC remains in the government of provincial unity, noting there are ongoing concerns, including with MEC Buthelezi, which will first be raised privately with the IFP before being made public.

On a proposed motion of no confidence against the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mabuyakhulu said the ANC has “no position on it” yet and would not speculate on possible IFP negotiations or arrangements.