ANC hits back at ATM for motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa

The African National Congress (ANC) has rejected the Motion of No Confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa called by the African Transformation Movement (ATM).

The ATM confirmed that they requested Speaker Thandie Modise to postpone the vote of no confidence against Ramaphosa while they await the outcome of their court application to ensure that voting is done via secret ballot.  

The ruling party said it is regrettable that instead of focusing the attention of Parliament to real issues that will advance the aspirations of the people in South Africa, the ATM has resorted to “waste” Parliament’s time with a motion they know stands no chance of succeeding. 

“There is simply no basis for the motion and is quite frivolous,” it said. 

SUPPORT FOR RAMAPHOSA ‘UNWAVERING’

The ANC said it’s a testimony to the strength of the democracy that a two-MP-party can get their voices heard, however, it said it’s a pity that the ATM chose to squander the opportunity in this manner. 

“We are confident that the ANC MPs, who will debate the motion, will represent us well. We note that they are now considering to postpone their motion until next year and that they intend approaching the court for a secret ballot,” it said. 

“They are displaying their fear of their irrelevance. Whatever the court decides, the ANC stands ready to defeat the motion,” it added. 

The party said its confidence of the people in the leadership of Ramaphosa remains unwavering. 

“Accordingly, we urge ATM to focus its attention on inputs that would strengthen the Economic Transformation and Recovery plan led by the president so that together we can set the country’s economy on an irreversible upward trajectory,” it added. 

INTERNAL FACTIONAL BATTLE 

DA Chief Whip Natasha Mazzone released a statement saying that the motion by the ATM against Ramaphosa is nothing more than a frivolous internal ANC factional battle playing itself out on the floor of Parliament.

“The ATM’s motion, however, is a waste of Parliament’s programme which needs to urgently consider and deliberate on the various budgets of Departments and entities tabled before it,” said Mazzone. 

Mazzone said the DA will abstain from the vote even when it comes to Parliament next year. 

“Abstaining is by no means a vote in support of President Ramaphosa. It is, instead, our refusal to be drawn into a messy battle brewing in the ANC. We will continue to hold the President and his government to account using parliamentary and legal processes,” she added.