Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma survives the eighth motion of no confidence against him with just 21 votes in his favour.
Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete says of the 384 MPs who cast their votes, 177 voted in favour of the motion while 198 voted against it with nine others having abstained from taking part.
ANC MPs and supporters sing happily with the EFF joining them. @IOL #zumavote @WeekendArgus pic.twitter.com/OSMiMpuoe5
— Tshego Lepule (@tshegofatsang) August 8, 2017
After almost five hours of a debate, followed by a secret ballot, the results were released which had MPs jumping with joy and chanting Zuma's name.
Opposition parties say they are disappointed by outcome which shows that ANC MPs chose their own interests above those of the country.
“The masses of our people who are very tired of the corrupt activities now realise that it is now up to them to remove this government,” says Mosuoa Lekota of Cope.
“Who is protecting Zuma is the caucus of the ANC, if it was dominated by honorable men and women they would have voted him out. How can they protect one man over the people of this country," he added.
ANC Lulama Ntshayisa says the margins are worrying but they are happy about outcome.
"We are very happy this is all over, it means democracy is now realised.
“But the numbers are a concern because it shows that there are members who are against the President, you see with the difference of just 21 votes," he said.
Weekend Argus
ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa responds. Video: Tshego Lepule