36 MPLs suspended without pay over disorder in KZN Legislature

The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, has confirmed the suspension of 36 Members of the Provincial Legislature, including 35 from the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) and one from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The action follows what Boyce described as “gross disorderly, violent and unlawful conduct” during the sitting on 15 December 2025.

The suspended members will lose remuneration for five sitting days, from 12 to 17 January 2026, in line with the legislature’s standing rules.

Boyce described their behaviour as “a fundamental and unacceptable attack on the parliamentary democracy, the rule of law and the authority of the Presiding Officer,” adding that the legislature would protect its authority and dignity “without any exceptions.”

The suspension comes after a chaotic sitting triggered by the decision not to allow a secret ballot during a no-confidence motion against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli. Despite the disruptions, Ntuli survived the vote.

The MKP criticised the sanctions, calling them “legally not sound, procedurally flawed and politically reckless,” and said it is considering its legal and parliamentary options.

Speaking to SABC News, Boyce explained that the disruptions began as the voting procedure was announced. “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.”

She said the disruptions escalated after members, particularly from opposition benches, began singing and moving away from their seats.

“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 orders to leave, members continued to obstruct proceedings, forcing her to temporarily suspend the house under Rule 651.

Boyce noted that some members blocked her path as she attempted to leave.

“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.

On how the suspended members were identified, Boyce said, “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 suspension would restore order in the legislature.

“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.

On concerns raised by the MKP regarding the legitimacy of the vote, Boyce said she was not aware of any legal challenge. “I wouldn't know. Maybe the courts will know. I don't know,” she said.

Boyce also addressed claims that some members had been threatened over their votes. While acknowledging the threats, she stressed that members were not intimidated and acted according to their conscience.

“They were not intimidated. They still stood at the podium and said that the premier must be removed,” she said, describing the members’ actions as inspiring.

She further emphasised that the suspensions were intended to reinforce parliamentary discipline and uphold the rule of law.

“No one is bigger than the law. Your decisions are not yours alone; there is an arbiter who will look at them,” Boyce said.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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