EFF ‘motion of no confidence’ list: These are the targeted officials

The EFF has teased its motion of no confidence list that is targeted against officials who, in their view, bring Parliament — and all that it stands for — to disrepute.

EFF leader, Julius Malema, revealed this at a recent media briefing that took place at the party’s headquarters in Johannesburg. The commander-in-chief of the Red Berets left no stone unturned about the plans he has coming for his political foes.

As expected, Trevor Manuel caught some slack over his court victory on the party’s defamatory comments about his perceived relationship with Sars Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter.

However, the least that the media expected — besides the declaration of the end to the political romance between the EFF and the DA — was for Malema to reveal the officials he has in his sights for future motions of no confidence votes.

Who is in the EFF motion of no confidence list?

Amos Masondo

Amos Masondo, the former mayor of Johannesburg, succeeded Thandi Modise — who is now the Speaker of the National Assembly — as the NCOP Chairperson.

The new chairperson’s responsibility will be to overlook Parliament’s mandate in servicing provincial interests and ensuring that they are prioritised in the national legislature.

Such an important role requires the undivided attention of a chairperson who is both impartial and determined to drive the mandate towards its intended goal

However, the EFF believes that he may be sleeping on his laurels. Malema accused Masondo of dosing off multiple times during the State of the Nation Address, something that, according to the EFF leader, showed a lack of professionalism and leadership

“We must express our deep concern on the conduct of the Chair of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, who sleeps during proceedings. During the debate on the State of the Nation Address, Amos Masondo kept dosing off from the chair, leaving the proceedings unattended,” Malema noted.

#EFFPresser Malema: We must warn him that if he does not improve, he too will be subjected to a motion of no confidence.

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 2, 2019

Lechesa Tsenoli

Lechesa Tsenoli made it to number two on the list. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly was accused of being biased and only considering the interests of the ANC in Parliament.

The bulk of the criticism against Tsenoli stems from his ruling on the usage of the quote, “the ANC government killed workers in Marikana” in Parliament.

Malema argued that there is a standing court order that grants usage of the term.

“Yet Tsenoli, true to his lunacy, forced an EFF MP during the SONA debate to withdraw this statement, regardless of being told about the court decision on the matter.

“We have already written to the JRC to subject Tsenoli to a disciplinary process and have him withdraw his unlawful ruling in the house. No one can knowingly undermine a court ruling from the position of chair of parliament without consequences.” Malema exclaimed.

#EFFPresser Malema: This conduct will result in a motion of no confidence because the EFF will never allow parliament to be turned into a mockery by presiding officers who sleep on duty.

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 2, 2019

Cyril Ramaphosa

Malema also targeted the president for his apparent disregard for Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan’s ongoing debacle with the Public Protector.

Ramaphosa has been criticised, largely by the EFF, for not acting on the recommendations set out by Busisiwe Mkhwebane in her investigation into Gordhan’s misconduct in granting former Sars boss, Ivan Pillay, early retirement with full benefits.

“The office of the Public Protector, regardless of the individual who occupies it, must be respected. The remedial action of this office are binding and can only be set aside by a court law,” Malema said

As we understand it, Ramaphosa has written to the Public Protector, stating that he will only make a decision on Gordhan’s future once the minister has exhausted his high court bid to have Mkhwebane’s report reviewed.

#EFFPresser Malema: We are taking legal advice on a brining a constitutional court application to compel Ramaphosa to comply with the remedial action of the Public Protector as we did with Zuma on Nkandla.

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 2, 2019