Is KwaZulu-Natal's Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) on the brink? Tensions are simmering as the National Freedom Party (NFP) claims it's being sidelined by its coalition partners. This comes after NFP leader Ivan Barnes publicly criticised the GPU's performance and expressed a lack of confidence in Premier Thami Ntuli, who also chairs the IFP in the province.
The situation escalated when the IFP, ANC, and DA held a GPU meeting without inviting the NFP, despite the NFP's single seat in the KZN Legislature being crucial for the coalition's narrow majority. Barnes confirmed the exclusion, stating, "As the NFP, we can’t attend a meeting where we are not invited."
The GPU holds a slim majority with 41 out of 80 seats, just ahead of the MK Party's 37 seats and the EFF's two. The MK Party is now pushing for a motion of no confidence to remove Ntuli as premier. Barnes has accused Ntuli of failing KZN residents, stating that the promise of a "capable, ethical and developmental state" is nothing but "decay" and "betrayal." The NFP is considering its future within the GPU.
Adding another layer to the drama, the ANC has reaffirmed its support for Premier Ntuli amidst the political turmoil. Mike Mabuyakhulu, the ANC’s provincial coordinator, dismissed rumours that his party would abandon Ntuli during the MKP-sponsored motion. He emphasized that the ANC remains committed to the GPU, citing stability and economic development under Ntuli's leadership as reasons for their continued support.
Mabuyakhulu stated, "We have always maintained that we joined the GPU for a reason, and at no stage did we ever think of leaving this coalition. As the ANC, we are happy that the government is stable and is working hard to improve the economic conditions, so why would one want to leave a stable government like this one?"
This ANC support comes despite previous reports suggesting the ANC threatened to withdraw if the IFP didn't address certain issues, including the removal of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi and the reinstatement of a deposed mayor. The political landscape in KZN remains volatile, with the GPU facing internal strains and external challenges.