WATCH: IFP’s Thami Ntuli elected as premier of KwaZulu-Natal

The Inkatha Freedom Party’s (IFP) Thami Ntuli has been elected as KwaZulu-Natal premier for the 7th administration.

Ntuli beat the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party’s Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza by 41 to 39 votes to become premier of the KZN province.

He was nominated by the African National Congress (ANC) Provincial Deputy Chairperson in KZN Nomagugu Simelane.

Watch Thami Ntuli said he is “grateful” after being elected KZN premier

Oseqokelwe kwesobuNdunankulu waKwaZulu Natal u-Thami Ntuli uthi ukulungele ukusebenzisana nabantu besifundazwe. #izindabazethu pic.twitter.com/UurAePjGkM

— IzindabaZethu (@IzindabaZethu) June 14, 2024

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Mammoth task

In his address to the legislature, Ntuli said he understood the “mammoth” task ahead owing to the challenges the people of KZN are faced with.

Ntuli emphasized the need for unity and cooperation in order to grow KZN.

“I know that as we are seated here celebrating the election of the office bearers, there are women and men who are seated at home who do not have something to put in their stomach for the day and that’s a task we are faced with.

“I will get my chance to give a full speech and plan to the people of KZN.” Ntuli said.

Ntuli said 55% of the electorate voted for the government of national unity (GNU) coalition – 45% voted for the MK party.

“We have been elected by majority, so I have no doubt on that one.”

[WATCH] "The truth is, 55% of the people of KwaZulu-Natal did not vote for the MK Party. So we [the IFP] have been elected by [the] majority. The differences, in terms of percentage, is not an issue." – Newly-elected KZN premier Thami Ntuli #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/ZlmEALHH97

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 14, 2024

Speaker

Earlier, the ANC’s Nothemba Boyce was elected as speaker of the KZN Provincial Legislature.

Boyce got 41 votes in comparison to her competitor Mervyn Alexander Dirks who received 39 votes.

TheDemocratic Alliance’s (DA) Mmabatho Tembe was elected as deputy speaker.

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