MK Party files no-confidence motion against Ramaphosa amid allegations of political interference

The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has filed a no-confidence motion against President Cyril Ramaphosa citing a myriad of pressing concerns ranging from soaring crime rates to poor economic management and failures in national security.

In a letter to the National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, the party also claims that Ramaphosa's leadership has eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel. 

The application was submitted on Friday afternoon, following troubling allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concerning political interference in law enforcement.

In light of Mkhwanazi's shocking allegations, the party opposes President Ramaphosa's choice to retain Police Minister Senzo Mchunu rather than dismissing him. Instead, Mchunu has been placed on leave while a judicial commission of inquiry is set up.

As a result, the party has taken its case to the Constitutional Court to contest President Ramaphosa's decision to put Mchunu on special leave, as well as the subsequent appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as the acting Police Minister.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday in Cape Town, MK Party Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele announced the no-confidence motion and criticised Ramaphosa for showing “cowardice” by not dismissing Mchunu outright.

“The MK Party, we are mobilising the grassroots. We have filed papers with the Constitutional Court. We have now put a motion of no confidence on the president for his failures - chief among them, his failure to fire Mchunu and protect the most vulnerable in our society,” Makhubele said.

Makhubele also criticised Ramaphosa’s decision to dismiss former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane earlier this week, calling it politically expedient and selective. "She was just an easy, soft target - a sacrificial lamb at the GNU altar,” Makhubele said.

“All things equal and fair, Minister Mchunu should have been fired in the same breath. This is clear cowardice at a decisive moment by the president.”

The party is requesting an urgent Parliament session to convene within the next two weeks to discuss and vote on the motion.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL News

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel