By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Freedom Party (NFP) expressed a loss of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, suggesting a shift in leadership in the province.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NFP said it was addressing growing concerns regarding the state of governance under the current Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in the province.
The party accused the GPU of betraying its founding principles. It claimed that the government had become mired in dysfunction and self-interest.
“Regrettably, what we have witnessed since the formation of the GPU stands in sharp contrast to these ideals,” the party said. ‘At both the political and governance levels, there have been no meaningful review meetings to assess the performance of our deployees across political parties. Instead, we have observed an erosion of public trust, marked by financial mismanagement and wasteful expenditure, including unnecessary international trips by the Premier.”
The NFP said, its decision to withdraw confidence was not taken lightly but stemmed from what it called a: “Complete disregard for accountability and transparency.”
It added that the GPU had failed to place municipalities and communities at the heart of governance, the very foundation upon which it was created.
Turning to the future, the party appeared to endorse the rise of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), signalling a potential shift in provincial power.
“There are ongoing political discussions among parties in KwaZulu-Natal about the province’s future direction. The recent election results clearly show that the electorate expressed overwhelming support for the MK Party. Perhaps it would be wise to allow the MK Party to take a leading role in any future provincial governance formation.
“The NFP is open to working with any political party that prioritizes service delivery, transparency, and the creation of an enabling environment for investment and growth. What matters most to us is restoring accountability, rebuilding public trust, and ensuring that the people of KwaZulu-Natal receive the quality services they deserve, “he added.
The ANC, IFP, DA and the NFP formed a government of provincial unity to govern KZN after last year’s general elections, which MK party won.