Helen Zille, Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson, has made it clear that her party will not support a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking exclusively on the Clement Manyathela Show, Zille revealed the DA's stance on the matter, emphasizing their commitment to evidence-based decisions and honoring their agreement with the African National Congress (ANC).
"We will only support the impeachment if the evidence suggests there should be an impeachment, but I don't think we are now in a position, given the fact that we have signed the statement of intent, to start impeaching a president we have just voted for," Zille explained. The DA's decision not to support a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa is a direct result of their agreement with the ANC, marking a strategic move within the political landscape.
The announcement comes in the wake of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) drafting a motion to impeach President Ramaphosa, centered around the contentious Phala Phala saga. The motion, which has sparked intense debate, was presented by EFF's Floyd Shivambu during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament. Shivambu highlighted the urgency and gravity of the situation, submitting a letter requesting the initiation of impeachment proceedings against the President.
"We have also delivered the hard copy letters to you now so you can pay attention to this now," Shivambu asserted, stressing the importance of immediate action. The EFF's letter, in accordance with rule 119 of the National Assembly Rules, proposed the establishment of a full impeachment committee based on the findings of an independent panel investigating the Phala Phala matter. The panel concluded that there is a prima facie case for impeachment.
While the National Assembly previously debated the report and voted against establishing an impeachment committee, the EFF argues that recent developments have altered the landscape. They point to President Ramaphosa's unsuccessful court challenge to set aside the report and the Constitutional Court's subsequent dismissal of his application.
The EFF firmly believes that the report holds significant weight and insists that Parliament has a duty to further process it by establishing an impeachment committee. They contend that nothing prohibits Parliament from reviving the process, urging action to be taken.
The debate surrounding the motion to impeach President Ramaphosa adds an additional layer of complexity to South Africa's political scene. As the EFF and the DA take contrasting stances on the matter, the country waits in anticipation to see how the proceedings unfold. The future of the motion hangs in the balance, with Parliament poised to make a pivotal decision that may shape the course of President Ramaphosa's leadership.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the public eagerly watches the actions of both major parties. The DA's unwavering commitment to evidence-based decision-making and their adherence to their agreement with the ANC indicate a strategic approach to their role as the official opposition. Meanwhile, the EFF's determination to push for impeachment highlights their unwavering pursuit of accountability and their belief in the significance of the Phala Phala report.
