EFF joins hands with DA in bid to remove Mapisa-Nqakula
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will join the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a bid to remove embattled Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
The DA formally tabled the motion of no confidence in Mapisa-Nqakula following R4.5 million graft allegations during her tenure as Defence Minister. Acting Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli has accepted the motion.
EFF SUPPORTS DA MOTION ON MAPISA-NQAKULA
On Tuesday, DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that she has written to all the parties in Parliament, including the ANC, to request their support for this motion.
The EFF said it welcomes the motion of no confidence proposed in the National Assembly against the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula due to improper conduct.
The party said it intends to fully support the motion following corruption and money laundering revelations against her.
“The EFF, however, is not surprised by the current turn of events, and we have been consistent that Mapisa-Nqakula is not fit to be the Speaker of Parliament.
“Mapisa-Nqakula’s conduct, including setting violent Parliament security on peaceful EFF MP protesters, instructing male bouncers to assault and sexually assault female MPs, as well as her suspensions of EFF members for seeking accountability about Phala Phala, highlights the rot within the ANC and its delegitimization of Parliament,” the party said.
Furthermore, the party reiterated that it would support the motion of no confidence against Mapisa-Nqakula as it is paramount that she be replaced entirely to maintain the integrity of the National Assembly.
WILL THE ANC VETERAN SURVIVE?
Mapisa-Nqakula faced her first motion of no confidence in 2023.
This was the first motion against the Speaker of the House since five opposition parties called for former speaker Baleka Mbete’s head in 2014.
The EFF had tabled the motion, which stemmed from the 2023 State of the Nation Address (Sona) on 9 February.
The party contended that the Speaker acted irresponsibly and unfairly. Furthermore, it alleged that Mapisa-Nqakula referred to its MPs as animals. Mapisa-Nqakula survived the motion.
Because the ruling party has the majority in Parliament, Mapisa-Nqakula will likely survive the motion against her.
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