President Cyril Ramaphosa – Photo: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa – Photo: GCIS
They may only have two seats in Parliament, but the African Transformation Movement (ATM) aren’t shy when it comes to making their voices heard. The debutants in the sixth term of the National Assembly have confirmed the House Speaker has received their proposed motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The party announced their bid to oust the head-honcho earlier on Tuesday afternoon. With SONA 2020 set to take place at the end of next week, the ATM may have to wait a little longer before their motion is debated in Parliament. However, it’s the sort of move which well and truly signals the end of “Ramaphoria”.
ATM to table motion of no confidence against Cyril Ramaphosa
Cyril has faced his fair share of controversy since replacing Jacob Zuma two years ago. He’s been accused of lying about donations to his CR17 leadership campaign, and is alleged to have misled Parliament about money he received from the corrupt Bosasa organisation. Add the flat economy and a poor jobs market to the copybook, and it’s understandable that the murmurs of dicontent have intensified:
“The ATM invites members of the press to a conference on Thursday, which will be addressed by President Vuyo Zungula and our NEC members. We have received an acknowledgement of receipt from the Speaker’s Office, regarding our motion of no confidence against Cyril Ramaphosa, and plan to explain our reasons further.”
ATM statement on Cyril Ramaphosa
Press conference invitation for the conference scheduled for Thursday, 6 February 2020. #ATMInParliament #ATMInCommunities pic.twitter.com/RXj99SIrlW
— African Transformation Movement (@ATMovement_SA) February 4, 2020
How a motion of no confidence works
Speaker Thandi Modise will now consider whether the proposal is worth putting to the rest of the house. She still has the ability to dismiss it outright. A consultation process would take place, and it could even be put to the other serving MPs for a debate. Our elected officials have the power to shoot it down straight away.
In the unlikely event it gets to a Parliamentary vote, a simple majority would have to vote in favour of the motion of no confidence. That’s 201 votes or more. Considering the ANC has 230 of the seats – and an overwhelming majority still see their leader as favourable – it’s not likely to happen. In fact, the ATM will be lucky if it gets past Modise’s desk. But still, they’re giving it a go anyway…
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