Today marks a historic moment as Mr. A.T. Ntuli was officially sworn in as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. After months of tireless campaigning, Mr. Ntuli, the chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the province, has seen his hard work pay off as he assumes the highest office in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mr. A.T. Ntuli, a former mayor of King Cetshwayo District and native of Nkandla, has officially resigned from his position as district mayor to take up his new role as Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.
The 2024 elections will be remembered as one of the most challenging and unpredictable in South Africa’s history, second only to the first democratic elections in 1994. Over the past six election cycles, outcomes had become relatively predictable, but the 2024 elections defied expectations, surprising many South Africans with their results.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the spotlight was on both the IFP and the African National Congress (ANC). According to an IPSOS report dated October 27, 2023, the ANC was at 22% and the IFP at 17%, making both parties central to the election’s focus. However, the emergence of the uMkhonto Wesizwe party, introduced on December 16, 2023, disrupted the expected trajectory. The final results were as follows: uMkhonto Wesizwe party led with 45.35%, IFP with 18.07%, ANC with 16.99%, Democratic Alliance (DA) with 13.36%, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 2.26%, and National Freedom Party (NFP) with 0.56%. Contrary to the usual dominance of the ANC, these results necessitated the formation of a coalition government.
The IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP came together to form a government of Provincial Unity, excluding the EFF. This coalition elected Thami Ntuli as the Premier. His leadership promises a new era for KwaZulu-Natal, with a focus on collaboration and unity.
Premier Ntuli has appointed the following ministers to his cabinet:
1. Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Hon. Rev Musa Keith Zondi, MPL
2. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) – Hon. Rev Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi, MPL
3. Health – Hon. Ms Nomagugu Simelane, MPL
4. Social Development – Hon. Ms Mbali Cynthia Chinga, MPL
5. Public Works and Infrastructure – Hon. Mr Lukas Marthinus Meyer, MPL
6. Finance – Hon. Mr Francoise Adrianus Rodgers, MPL
7. Agriculture and Rural Development – Hon. Mrs Thembeni Petty kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, MPL
8. Transport and Human Settlements – Hon. Mr Siboniso Armstrong Duma, MPL
9. Education – Hon. Mr Siphosihle Emmanuel Hlomuka, MPL
10. Sports, Arts and Culture – Hon. Mr Mntomuhle Khawula, MPL
Mr. A.T. Ntuli’s inauguration as Premier is a testament to his dedication and the support he has garnered from a broad coalition. His administration is set to steer KwaZulu-Natal towards a future of growth, unity, and prosperity.
Attached is the speech delivered by Premier Thami Ntuli today.
