By Simon Nare
Chaos erupted at the KwaZulu-Natal legislature after members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demanded a secret ballot during a motion of no confidence against KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli.
The disruption followed Speaker Nontobeko Boyce’s decision to proceed with an open vote by show of hands, rejecting calls for a secret ballot.
MK Party members argued that some legislators had received threats and would not feel free to vote openly.
Boyce dismissed the demand, prompting MK and EFF members to break into struggle songs on the floor of the House.
Despite warnings of possible violence, she insisted that the vote would proceed openly, instructing those in favour to stand, those against to remain seated, and abstentions to raise their hands.
Moments later, Boyce announced: “The motion has failed and the premier remains.”
She did not disclose the vote count and left the chamber as tensions escalated and the House threatened to descend further into disorder.
Earlier, proceedings had already been disrupted after MK Party members were denied a secret ballot, leading to singing and defiance directed at the Speaker.
Following a heated exchange and warnings that police could be called to remove disruptive members, Boyce was forced to temporarily adjourn the sitting.
As the singing continued, an emotional Boyce cried out: “Uyangithuka! (You are insulting me). Radebe, uyangithuka!”
MK and EFF members vowed through song to remain in the legislature until their demand for a secret ballot was met.
During the debate, MK Party members said they were seeking a secret ballot to protect colleagues who had allegedly received threatening text messages.
They also argued that some members within the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) were disgruntled and might support the motion—but only if voting were conducted secretly.
“We must take these threats seriously. You must protect members on that side. Some of them agree with us but cannot show it openly,” said one MK Party member.
Boyce remained resolute, saying she had applied her mind to the matter and that there would be no secret ballot.
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