MKP and EFF members suspended after motion of no confidence vote chaos

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has suspended 35 of the 37 members of uMkhonto Wesizwe Party and one member of the EFF.

This follows last week’s chaos in the chamber during a motion of no confidence against Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.

MKP members caused disruptions in the House when the Speaker declared voting on the motion open, instead of a secret ballot as preferred by the two parties.

The MK Party brought the motion against Premier Ntuli over alleged financial mismanagement, among other concerns, and the move was supported by the EFF.

Speaker Nontembeko Boyce confirmed the suspensions on Monday.

“The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce, confirms the suspension of 36 Members of the Provincial Legislature - 35 members from the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) and one member from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - in terms of Rule 63(1) of the Standing Rules, for grossly disorderly, violent and unlawful conduct during the sitting of 15 December 2025,” the Speaker said.

She described the chaotic scenes during last week’s sitting as unacceptable.

“The conduct of the said members represents a fundamental and unacceptable attack on parliamentary democracy, the rule of law and the authority of the Presiding Officer,” she added.

The decision by Boyce also follows allegations that she was assaulted by MKP members inside the House.

Meanwhile, the MK Party says the actions of the Speaker were politically motivated.

“Politically, this decision reflects panic rather than leadership. Suppressing opposition voices during a motion of no confidence does not restore order; it exposes fear,” said MKP whip in the Legislature, Siphiwe Moyo-Mbatha.

Opposition parties have since called for accountability over the alleged assault of the Speaker.

The MK Party has vowed legal action against the Speaker for declaring the motion against Ntuli a failure.