By: Phakeme Mnguni
A formal motion of no confidence has been submitted against President Cyril Ramaphosa, with its proponents citing deepening governance failures, economic mismanagement, and national security concerns under his leadership.
The motion, addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, was filed in terms of Section 102(2) of the Constitution and Rule 129 of the National Assembly. It requests an urgent special sitting of Parliament to debate and vote on the matter within two weeks.
The draft resolution outlines several key grounds for the call to remove President Ramaphosa, including:
1. Governance Failures
The motion accuses Ramaphosa of presiding over a deteriorating state of law and order, with persistent high levels of crime, including gender-based violence, murder, and armed robbery. It also criticises his administration for failing to strengthen the South African Police Service (SAPS), which it says has been unable to effectively prosecute high-profile criminals or ensure public safety.
Allegations of interference within law enforcement structures are also highlighted, referencing revelations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about syndicate involvement in SAPS and the broader criminal justice system.
2. Economic Mismanagement
The motion points to record-high unemployment rates and a lack of a credible economic recovery plan. It further accuses Ramaphosa of failing to stimulate economic growth, deepening poverty and inequality, particularly in rural and township communities.
3. Leadership Instability
The document claims that Ramaphosa has demonstrated an inability to provide stable governance, accusing him of retaining compromised ministers and failing to steer the country in a positive direction despite being in office for seven years.
4. National Security Concerns
The motion argues that border security has collapsed under the President’s watch, leading to an influx of undocumented foreign nationals. It also criticises his government’s handling of organised crime, including ongoing issues with the so-called construction mafia, gang violence, and kidnappings.
5. Accountability and Transparency
Further concerns are raised around transparency, including the sealing of court records related to Ramaphosa’s CR17 campaign funding. The motion also notes a perceived lack of decisive action on corruption within state-owned enterprises and other government institutions.
The resolution claims that South Africa is “plunging deeper into crisis” and asserts that the motion is not politically motivated but rather a necessary intervention to restore governance and public confidence.
Urgent Parliamentary Action Sought
The drafters have called for the urgent convening of a special sitting of the National Assembly, in line with parliamentary rules, to allow for a full debate and vote on the matter.
As of publication, the Office of the Speaker had not yet issued a response. The Presidency has also not commented on the motion.
