EFF says Didiza vote was ‘chaotic’ and ‘far from fair’

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have criticized the ANC caucus for conducting a virtual sitting during the motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, claiming the approach was chaotic, wasteful, and not a fair vote. Didiza managed to survive the vote, with 282 MPs voting against her and 101 in favor.

The motion was initiated by EFF leader Julius Malema in June due to allegations of bias in Didiza's handling of legal matters related to President Cyril Ramaphosa's impeachment inquiry. The debate and vote occurred on Wednesday via a virtual platform. The EFF accused Didiza of not safeguarding Parliament by not opposing Ramaphosa's request for an interdict to halt the proceedings, and of failing to act independently, impartially, and with integrity in her constitutional duties.

Didiza defended her actions, stating she followed the court's ruling, while the impeachment committee, through its chair, Makhashule Gana, filed a notice to oppose Ramaphosa's application. While some opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus, expressed dissatisfaction with Didiza's handling of the legal matters, they did not support her removal.

Other parties, such as Build One South Africa, Patriotic Alliance, IFP, ActionSA, PAC, Rise Mzansi, Al Jama-ah, and the PCA, also opposed the motion. However, the EFF received backing from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, African Christian Democratic Party, African Transformation Movement, National Coloured Congress, and United Africans Transformation.

The sitting was held entirely online, with only deputy speaker Annelie Lotriet physically present in Parliament. Only a handful of MPs, including Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, were absent. EFF national spokesperson Thembi Msane acknowledged the majority of National Assembly members' refusal to support the motion, stating the EFF was not surprised as parties opted to prioritize their neoliberal coalition over Parliament's responsibility to hold the Executive accountable.

Msane alleged that Didiza continued this pattern of shielding the Executive, as seen under previous Speakers Baleka Mbete and Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nakula during Nkandla and Phala Phala investigations, respectively. The EFF condemned the ANC for insisting on an online sitting, claiming it was dishonest to gather its own members at a venue in Cape Town while neglecting to use other parliamentary facilities.

Msane argued that the process was far from fair, but the EFF respects the outcome and appreciates those who supported the motion. She emphasized that the vote protected the Speaker but did not resolve the issues surrounding her conduct, and vowed to continue fighting for a legislature that holds the Executive accountable without bias or favoritism.