The MK Party has formally submitted a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing governance failures, economic mismanagement, and allegations of interference in law enforcement. The party’s Member of Parliament, Brian Molefe, confirmed the move in an interview, stating that consultations with other opposition parties—including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)—are underway to secure support for the motion.
Motion Grounded in Governance Concerns
Molefe outlined five key reasons for the motion:
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High Crime and Lawlessness: Alleged failure to curb crime and secure South Africa’s borders.
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Economic Mismanagement: Record unemployment at 41% and lack of economic transformation.
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Leadership Instability: Accusations of political expediency in retaining “compromised” ministers.
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Lack of Transparency: Sealed court records related to Ramaphosa’s CR17 campaign funding and the Phala Phala scandal.
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Failure to Act on Corruption: Inadequate response to graft in state-owned enterprises.
Molefe criticized Ramaphosa for “double standards,” citing the dismissal of former Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane while Police Minister Senzo Mchunu remains in office. “This government of national unity is not serious about real change,” he said.
Seeking Opposition Alliance
Acknowledging the challenge of securing a majority, Molefe confirmed the MK Party would lobby the EFF and other members of the Progressive Caucus. He also hinted at pushing for a secret ballot to encourage dissent within the African National Congress (ANC) and its coalition partners.
Constitutional Court and Budget Opposition
The MK Party also opposes the Appropriation Bill, arguing it fails to address poverty and unemployment. Molefe dismissed Treasury’s 1.4% growth projection as insufficient, calling for “drastic measures” to overhaul the economy.
Additionally, the party reiterated its demand for Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya to recuse herself from overseeing a commission of inquiry into judiciary allegations, citing conflicts of interest.
Next Steps
The motion awaits scheduling by Parliament’s Speaker, with debate expected within two weeks. Analysts, however, note the motion faces steep odds without broader ANC defections.
