Most ANC MPS ‘unlikely to break ranks’
AS THE latest parliamentary no-confidence vote into the leadership of President Jacob Zuma looms, Zak Yacoob, a former justice of the Constitutional Court, is of the opinion that the motion will go nowhere.
“I believe there’s a better chance the vote of no-confidence will fail on Tuesday,” he said.
The Durban-born antiapartheid activist voiced his concern about corruption within the ruling party.
“The ANC is, to a degree, rotten to the core.”
Justice Yacoob said while there were good people within the ANC, occurrences of the past have shown most ANC members of Parliament would vote in alignment with the party’s mandate of confidence in the president.
The no-confidence vote comes as anticipation rises on whether National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete will allow a secret ballot on Tuesday.
Justice Yacoob said: “The secret ballot is not necessary because those who are honest will vote no-confidence – be it in secrecy or not.”
He called for diversity in government, citing a good leader as one who was truthful to the people.
“The average leader has to be, at least, honest,” said Justice Yacoob, “and President Jacob Zuma is a rogue.”
Staunch ANC supporter Visvin Reddy lashed out at the DA, which tabled the no-confidence motion.
Reddy said: “This is just a smokescreen used by the opposition to deflect attention from their lack of service delivery.
“I don’t believe President Jacob Zuma has been found guilty of anything. We will still win this.”
DA provincial leader Zwakele Mncwango has urged all MPS to vote with their conscience.
Mncwango suggested: “Put the country before the interest of individuals and a political party.”
The defiant EFF is planning to stage marches nationwide.
EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee said: “There will be marches across the country’s municipalities while the vote happens.”