Honourable Ms Baleka Mbete, MP
Speaker of the National Assembly
PO Box 15
Cape Town
8000

Dear Madam Speaker

Inappropriateness of your presiding over the debate on the motion of no confidence in President Zuma

The above matter has reference.

I write on behalf of the leaders of the African Christian Democratic Party, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement.

We met on 13 July, this instant, and resolved that it would not be proper for you, as Speaker of the National Assembly, to preside over the debate on the vote of no-confidence in President Zuma.

We base our argument on the following grounds:

  • You are on record instructing African National Congress (ANC) Members of Parliament in the National Assembly to vote in favour of their President;
  • In the event of the success of the motion, you are enjoined by the Constitution to act as President; and
  • You are also in the running for ANC President and by extension the President of the Country.

Making matters worse is your recent attack on the judiciary. You have said that certain judges are biased against your party. Your action undermines your duty to act as liaison between Parliament, as an institution, and the other arms of State. It means that you still fail to separate your role as the head of the National Assembly and that of ANC Chairperson.

All of the aforementioned demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are patently biased and therefore conflicted and compromised.

We also wish to remind you of the wise advice given by the Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, in the 22 June Constitutional Court’s judgement, He said the following about the power of those in public office:

“They are therefore not to be used for the advancement of personal or sectarian interests. Amandla awethu, mannda ndiashu, maatla ke a rona or matimba ya hina (power belongs to us) and mayibuye iAfrika (restore Africa and its wealth) are much more than mere excitement-generating slogans.”

We hope that you will to do the right thing in the interest of the Nation and recuse yourself from presiding over this debate.

Yours sincerely
Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
UDM President