Opposition parties in the National Assembly were on Monday still lobbying one another, including some ANC MPs, to vote with them ahead of today's sitting to debate and vote on the section 89 panel report into Phala Phala saga.
According to ATM leader Vuyo Zungula, who is the sponsor of the motion to start impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa, opposition parties were still not united around how to vote.
Zungula said despite the ANC issuing a directive to its MPs to vote against the adoption of the report, they were still hoping through a resubmitted application for a secret ballot, some MPs would be swayed.
“We’re hoping for a secret ballot, but we haven't yet received the final determination of the speaker.
“We’ve tried to mobilise all MPs from all parties and not limited to ANC. There are some opposition parties who aren’t clear on where they stand, but there’s no way someone took an oath to protect the laws of the country and vote against a recommendation that says there must be an investigation into the conduct of the president. We know a number of MPs of the ruling party who would want to vote, but they’re confined to party lines,” Zungula said.
Last week, ATM made a second request that the vote on the section 89 independent panel report be held by secret ballot after it was previously rejected.
The vote is to decide whether to institute impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa after the panel found he had a case to answer to on where the foreign currency stolen on his Limpopo farm originated from.
Yesterday, secretary to the National Assembly Masibulele Xaso wrote to the ATM informing them that speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula was considering their request.
“I can confirm that the speaker is considering representations on the matter and will revert to those concerned in due course,” Xaso's response read.
UDM president Bantu Holomisa urged ANC MPs to vote with their conscience and not how ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe wants them to vote.
“We support the report and that it must be accepted by parliament and the inquiry must be established. Everyone is free to vote with their conscience and how they want. Not how Mantashe wants them to vote,” Holomisa said.
The ANC has 230 MPs (or 57, 5%) in the 400-member National Assembly. A simple majority is required for the motion to pass. According to the constitution, one third (132) MPs need to be available in the legislature for the motion to be heard and a simple majority is needed for a decision to be made.
Mantashe was quoted over the weekend issuing a warning to those who failed to toe the party line to reject the establishment of an impeachment inquiry that they should leave the ANC and form their own parties.
This was a warning shot to some ANC members who may want to defy the party and vote with the opposition.
On Monday, the ANC sent a strong message to those considering defying the party after Carl Niehaus was served with an expulsion letter.
Niehaus was charged with misconduct and ill-discipline after going against decisions taken by the ANC national executive committee.
For the motion to pass today, as many as 100 ANC members of parliament would have to be absent or go against the party line and all other MPs would have to go with if the motion is to succeed.
While some members have expressed that they will vote for the impeachment process, this is unlikely to have a bearing on tomorrow’s parliamentary process.
nkosin@sowetan.co.za
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