Parties lobby ANC MPs to eject Zuma
Intense lobbying ahead of no-confidence vote as the ANC’s top six prepare to seek support from the party caucus
Tension and uncertainty gripped the ANC caucus on Monday as opposition parties mounted an intense lobbying campaign to try to get governing party MPs to vote in support of a motion to unseat President Jacob Zuma. The debate is due to take place on Tuesday afternoon. National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete’s surprise decision to allow MPs a secret ballot emboldened the opposition, who believe the move would allow some ANC MPs to support the DA-sponsored motion to end Zuma’s reign as president. The rand gained more than 15c to the dollar on Monday almost immediately after Mbete’s announcement‚ trading at R13.1985 from R13.4183. Business Day understands that Mbete’s decision hinged on legal advice she received to avert another court judgment against her. For the motion to succeed, 201 MPs of the 400-strong National Assembly must support it. The ANC has 249 seats, so, at least 50 of its MPs will need to break ranks for Zuma to be removed from office.What remains uncertain is how the 17 S...
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