Mbete backpedals on Zuma Motion of No Confidence

12 January 2016

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes, with serious concern, the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Baleka Mbete’s statement today suggesting that the DA’s Motion of No Confidence may not happen due to a “busy” parliamentary programme. 

Rule 102A (5) of the National Assembly states that:

“After proper consultation and once the Speaker is satisfied that the motion of no confidence complies with the aforementioned prescribed law, rules, orders, directives or guidelines of the House, the Speaker  must ensure that the motion of no confidence is scheduled, debated and voted on within a reasonable period of time given the programme of the Assembly.”

Motions of No Confidence clearly take priority when it comes to parliamentary programming and the Speaker’s suggestion that this year’s programme is too “busy” is an insufficient excuse.  The Constitutional Court was clear in its previous ruling that Motions of No Confidence cannot be frustrated by the Programming Committee.   

Therefore, I have written to Ms Mbete requesting clarity regarding her statement and have asked her to confirm whether or not she has, in accordance with NA Rule 102A, consulted the Leader of Government Business, Cyril Ramaphosa, and ANC Chief Whip, Stone Sizani, regarding the DA’s request.

Considering  the number of blunders that the President has recently made, Mbete’s backpedalling is merely another attempt to protect President Zuma, and the ANC ahead of this year’s local government elections.

In December last year President Zuma recklessly fired Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene, which sent the rand into an almost unprecedented downward spiral. Earlier this week President Zuma claimed that South Africans and the markets had overreacted to his decision and that the effects of his decision have been exaggerated.

The initial decision to fire Minister Nene was reckless and irrational, and the reaction - both domestically and internationally – was justified. 

President Zuma’s economic leadership has been incredibly poor and he and his cabinet are bordering on intellectual bankruptcy when it comes to ideas to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

It is for these reasons that Parliament needs to debate this motion and remove Jacob Zuma as President once and for all.

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, DA Chief Whip, 12 January 2016