KZN Legislature in turmoil: MK Party accuses Speaker Nontobeko Boyce of ‘Apartheid-Era tactics’ after 36 MPLs suspended

The political climate in KwaZulu-Natal continues to simmer, with the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) upping the ante with accusations that the Provincial Legislature's Speaker, Nontobeko Boyce, had used tactics reminiscent of the apartheid era to suppress the party's democratic rights.

The assertion came in the wake of Boyce's controversial decision to suspend 36 Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), following what she deemed as "gross disorderly, violent, and unlawful conduct" during a tumultuous sitting on December 15.

Thirthy-five of the suspended MPLs were MKP members, with the other belonging to the EFF.

Nhlamulo Ndlhela, MKP spokesperson, described the move as a deliberate act of intimidation against party members who had raised a Motion of No Confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli.

“The suspension of our members is a retaliation against our motion,” he said in condemning Boyce's decision, which is regarded as a flaw in judgment. “We will prove that she is wrong legally and procedurally,” Ndlhela vowed.

The implications for the 36 suspended MPLs included forfeiting remuneration for five sitting days, between January 12 to 17, 2026, in accordance with the legislature's standing rules.

Boyce justified her actions by labelling the conduct of the suspended legislators as a “fundamental and unacceptable attack on parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and the authority of the Presiding Officer.” She stated that the legislature would protect its authority and dignity "without any exceptions."

Political analyst Siphamandla Zondi refrained from commenting on the legality of Boyce's decisions and suggested that the matter will ultimately be resolved via the legal route. “The courts will decide the legality of her actions.

" As far as she is concerned, she is applying the rules of the legislature and acting against unruly patriarchal behaviour,” Zondi said in recognising Boyce’s reputation as a formidable political figure, who is known for confronting challenges head-on.

When speaking to SABC News, Boyce explained the events leading up to the suspensions and said that the disruptions surfaced as voting was about to commence.

“During the sitting in question, we experienced a disruption that was meant to ensure that the sitting did not proceed with its business,” she said.

Despite allowing members to voice their concerns, Boyce noted that the protest escalated significantly as opposition members began singing and ignoring calls to take their seats.

She recounted the chaos, describing how some MPLs intentionally obstructed her path, ultimately leading her to temporarily suspend the house under Rule 651.

“We decided to continue and vote.” When she adjourned the sitting and attempted to step out, her path was blocked by some members. “That was the reason that some members were suspended," she explained.

Boyce expressed her hope that the suspensions would result in a return to order within the legislature, affirming the necessity for members to conduct themselves with decorum befitting their roles as lawmakers.

She has since dismissed concerns raised by the MKP regarding the legitimacy of the vote and said, “I wouldn’t know. Maybe the courts will know. I don’t know.”

DAILY NEWS