Speaker of the South African National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (C back) presides over a debate to the possibility of initiating proceedings to remove South African President Cyril Ramaphosa from office, at a parliamentary session in Cape Town on December 13, 2022. – Ramaphosa, who was championed as a graft-busting saviour after the corruption-tainted tenure of predecessor Jacob Zuma, has been marred by accusations that he attempted to cover up a huge cash theft at his luxury farm. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)

Parliament Speaker to face motion of no confidence after SONA fracas

The EFF alleges that the Speaker acted irresponsibly and unfairly during the 2023 State of the Nation Address.

by Storm Simpson

23-02-2023 16:59

in News

The Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) motion of no confidence against the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is set for 7 March. The red berets are hoping for a vote by secret ballot, but there is no guarantee it will be allowed.

PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TO FACE FIRST MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE VOTE

Mapisa-Nqakula’s deputy, Lechesa Tsenoli, approved the EFF’s request, the Parliament National Assembly Programming Committee heard on Thursday, 23 February.

According to EWN, this is the first motion of no confidence against the Speaker of the House since five opposition parties called for former speaker Baleka Mbete’s head in 2014.

The EFF’s complaint against Mapisa-Nqakula stems from the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 9 February.

The party prevented President Cyril Ramaphosa from speaking for about 30 minutes before some members, including party leader Julius Malema, were asked to leave the chamber.

Malema then attempted to storm the stage, but security services intervened, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The EFF contends that the Speaker acted irresponsibly and unfairly. According to News24, the party said the Speaker referred to fellow MPs as “animals”.