DA leads Opposition walk-out

16 September 2014

This evening in the National Assembly, the DA led a walk-out of opposition parties that supported the Motion of No Confidence in the Speaker, Baleka Mbete. 

This move came after the Chief Whip of the ANC, Stone Sizani, proposed an amendment to our Motion of No Confidence that entirely re-framed the motion as one of confidence in the Speaker - which the Presiding Officer accepted as a valid amendment.

To supplement a valid and lawful Motion of No Confidence, with one of confidence, and the ANC abusing its majority to push the amendment through, perverts the process of Parliament, and undermines the role of the National Assembly.

The ANC has shown nothing but contempt for today's Motion of No Confidence, and the amendment moved by the ANC to make the motion one of confidence in the Speaker is a slap in the face of democracy.

It is our firm belief that the people of South Africa have lost confidence in the Speaker and by the ANC denying Parliament the opportunity to properly vote on this motion, the ANC has subverted democratic practice.

Today is a dark day for the health of our Parliamentary democracy.

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane MP, DA Parliamentary Leader, September 16 2014

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