Opposition parties to meet ahead of Mbete's verdict on Parly secret vote

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Opposition parties to meet ahead of Mbete's verdict on Parly secret vote

7 August 2017 7:00 AM

Leaders of opposition parties will meet at 2pm on Monday to discuss a joint strategy ahead of National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete's announcement.

Mbete is expected to pronounce on her decision over a secret ballot vote in the no confidence motion in President Jacob Zuma.

Read: Law expert answers big 'what-ifs' ahead of Zuma no confidence debate

She will hold a briefing at 3:30pm at Parliament.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa says the blatant protection of Zuma by some ANC members exposes the hypocrisy of the ruling party.

"Zuma is a liar. He should be in jail. We are waiting for the Speaker to tell us her decision. Opposition leaders will respond after that."
— 702 (@Radio702) August 6, 2017

Holomisa says the campaign to remove Zuma has become much bigger than just opposition parties.

"I don't think we are going to have a #SecretBallot because Mbete knows that even just one vote against Zuma means #ANC have lost the day."
— 702 (@Radio702) August 6, 2017

Alos read: Holomisa: ANC out order for threatening MPs over no confidence vote

DA's John Steenhuisen says Mbete is using the secret ballot matter to deviate from the scrutiny of Zuma's fitness to hold office.

"Mbete already knows what she is going to do. She wants to make the #NoConfidenceVote about the #SecretBallot. It is a smokescreen for her."
— 702 (@Radio702) August 6, 2017

Steenhuisen says ANC Members of Parliament (MPs) are hiding behind disingenuous arguments because they are also captured for corrupt purposes.

"Before Zuma could capture the State, he had to capture the party first. There are as many captured people sitting in the #ANC benches."
— 702 (@Radio702) August 6, 2017

Steenhuisen: #NoConfidenceVote should've been a motion brought by the #ANC. They should not be relying on the opposition to do its work.
— 702 (@Radio702) August 6, 2017

Steenhuisen says Mbete has exercised her discretion in a remarkably reckless manner by making her announcement on the secret ballot so late.

Opposition parties have rallied together in calling for the president to step down but they will need 201 or more votes to see this happen.

Holomisa and Steenhuisen discussed the way forward and the various potential outcomes.

Take a listen:

Written by: Qama Qukula

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