Didiza faces no-confidence motion over Ramaphosa impeachment process
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is set to face her first motion of no confidence, with the EFF arguing that her decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s court application breached her constitutional duties.
The Speaker of South Africa's National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, will face a motion of no confidence on Wednesday. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have accused her of bias in handling legal matters related to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry. The motion originated from a June motion tabled by EFF leader Julius Malema.
Malema claimed Didiza failed to protect Parliament by not opposing Ramaphosa's application to halt the impeachment proceedings. The EFF alleges Didiza's decision to not oppose the application demonstrates she did not discharge her constitutional responsibilities with the required independence, impartiality, and integrity. However, Didiza has stated she complied with the court's ruling.
The impeachment committee has filed a notice opposing Ramaphosa's application. Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet noted that a motion to remove a speaker or deputy speaker must comply with Parliament's rules and cannot contain unrelated allegations. Lotriet stated the motion is substantively in order but requires substantiation or removal due to some allegations.
Nolutshungu accused Didiza of misleading the public with a false impression that legal advice justified her decision not to defend Parliament. The MK Party supports the motion, while Build One South Africa (BOSA) opposes it, stating it appears largely political. BOSA's spokesperson argued that Didiza has complied with the Constitutional Court's judgment by establishing the required parliamentary processes.
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