President Ramaphosa faces Motion of No Confidence Vote in Parliament

President Ramaphosa has his critics, alright: It’s been a few years, but South Africa could soon see a president face a Motion of No Confidence in Parliament.

The African Transformation Movement has claimed that their Motion of No Confidence in Cyril Ramaphosa is advancing to the next stage after Speaker Thandi Modise confirmed that consultations are now being finalised.

It would be the first vote Cyril has faced as president, and it’s more than three years since South Africa last held a no confidence vote. Jacob Zuma survived by the skin of his teeth in 2017, only to be ousted from office just a few months later.

Why is Ramaphosa facing a Motion of No Confidence vote?

The ATM, however, will be hoping to see a withdrawal from office this time around. The party earned two seats in Parliament during the 2019 Elections, and they’ve used their voice to amplify negative sentiments about the president. Amongst other things, the ATM is outraged by South Africa’s unemployment rate, the rampant threat of corruption, and worsening load shedding schedules.

[MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE BACK ON THE TABLE]

The Speaker of parliament Thandi Modise just confirmed finalising consultations with leader of Government Business and the Chief Whip of the majority party.#RamaphosaMustGo pic.twitter.com/UfdzAicKdx

— African Transformation Movement (@ATMovement_SA) September 30, 2020

ATM seek ‘presidential withdrawal’

For their motion to make it to Parliament, Thandi Modise must give an all-clear to a Parliamentary debate. If this is approved, a vote will follow in the National Assembly, requiring two-thirds of all MPs to support a Motion of No Confidence. Although Ramaphosa does have ‘enemy factions’ within the ANC, it’s highly unlikely enough will turn against him.

ATM Head of Policy, Mzwanele ‘Jimmy’ Manyi, had urged the speaker to advance their case earlier this week:

There is no country that is on autopilot. Countries are governed by Stateswomen and Statesmen. Elected democratically! Unless if they are monarchies. Ours is a constitutional democracy. Accountable to the people!

— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) September 25, 2020