Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce has announced the suspension of 36 Members of the Provincial Legislature for “gross disorderly, violent, and unlawful conduct” during the last sitting.
Announcing the drastic move on Monday, 22 December 2025, Speaker Boyce said 35 members from the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) and one member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been suspended.
She said the suspensions of the MKP and EFF members were in accordance with Standing Rules 63 (1) regarding gross disorderly, violent, and unlawful conduct during the sitting of 15 December 2025.
Speaker Boyce said there was intent to disrupt the motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli, and that she herself was targeted during the process.
During the ensuing commotion, the Speaker was struck on the back, and police were brought in to restore order.
A woman had to receive medical attention after being violently pushed to the ground.
Commenting further on the matter, the Speaker said she has exercised her powers, in terms of the Standing Rules, to impose a sanction of five sitting days without remuneration, from 12 – 17 January 2026, in line with the provisions of rule 66.
“The conduct of the said members represents a fundamental and unacceptable attack on the parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and the authority of the Presiding Officer,” said Speaker Boyce.
“The Legislature stands opposed to violence, intimidation, and deliberate disruption of proceedings and vows to protect the authority and the dignity of the House without any exceptions.”
