Thirty-six Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) in KwaZulu-Natal have been suspended without pay following chaotic scenes in the provincial legislature, Speaker Nontembeko Boyce has confirmed.
The suspensions affect 35 MPLs from the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) and one from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), stemming from conduct during a sitting held on 15 December 2025.
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Boyce said the decision was taken after what she described as “gross disorderly, violent and unlawful conduct”, adding that the affected members will forfeit remuneration for five sitting days, from 12 to 17 January 2026, in accordance with the legislature’s standing rules.
KZN Legislature Takes Action to Defend Parliamentary Authority
According to Boyce, the behaviour witnessed during the sitting amounted to “a fundamental and unacceptable attack on the parliamentary democracy, the rule of law and the authority of the Presiding Officer”.
She stressed that the legislature would act decisively to safeguard its integrity and dignity, stating that this would be done “without any exceptions”.
The disorder erupted after a ruling not to allow a secret ballot during a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli. Despite the disruptions, the vote went ahead and Ntuli survived the challenge.
The MKP has since condemned the sanctions, arguing that they are “legally not sound, procedurally flawed and politically reckless”, and indicated that it is exploring both legal and parliamentary avenues in response.
Speaker Details Escalation of Disruptions During No-Confidence Vote
Speaking to SABC News, Boyce said the disruption began as soon as the voting process was announced.
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“During the sitting in question, we experienced a disruption that was targeted at ensuring that the sitting does not proceed with its business,” she said.
“Even though we had made a ruling, we allowed them to question what they were questioning, and we responded to them.”
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She explained that the situation deteriorated when some members refused to follow instructions from the Chair.
“Certain members, especially on the benches of the opposition, stood up and started to sing and be disruptive. Even when we were calling them to take their seats so that they could vote, they were not doing it. So it was an intentional disruption.”
Despite repeated warnings and instructions to leave the chamber, members continued to obstruct proceedings, forcing Boyce to temporarily suspend the sitting under Rule 651.
Video Evidence Used to Identify Suspended MPLs
Boyce said the situation worsened as she attempted to adjourn the House.
“We decided to continue and vote. But the scenes that you are now showing are when I had adjourned the house, when they were blocking the way, which is some of the reasons that the others are being suspended, because they blocked the way,” she said.
She confirmed that video footage from inside the legislature was used to identify those involved.
“We went back with the visuals of the legislature and looked back. We would zoom into one member and follow the movements of that particular member at all given times.”
Boyce expressed hope that the disciplinary action would help restore order and respect for the rules of the House.
“I hope so. In fact, I pray so. I pray that members of the legislature will learn that there are rules and that they have to behave in a manner that is exemplary as the lawmakers, particularly because they lead people and lead on behalf of people,” she said.
Vote Legitimacy and Alleged Threats Addressed
Responding to claims by the MKP questioning the legitimacy of the vote, Boyce said she was unaware of any formal legal challenge. “I wouldn’t know. Maybe the courts will know. I don’t know,” she said.
She also addressed allegations that some members were threatened over how they voted. While acknowledging that threats had been made, she insisted that MPLs were not intimidated.
“They were not intimidated. They still stood at the podium and said that the premier must be removed,” she said, describing their conduct as inspiring.
Boyce concluded by emphasising that the suspensions were about reinforcing discipline and respect for the law.
“No one is bigger than the law. Your decisions are not yours alone; there is an arbiter who will look at them,” she said.
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