DA to table Motion of No Confidence in Zuma over 'assault on economy'
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has taken a decision to table a Motion of No Confidence in President Jacob Zuma for his intention to fire Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his Deputy, Mcebisi Jonas.
"I have therefore written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, in this regard, indicating our intention to have the motion debated and voted on by Parliament once it is back in session," says DA leader Mmusi Maimane.
It comes on the same day the EFF said it is approaching the Constitutional Court to institute impeachment proceedings against President Zuma.
Maimane says President Zuma continues to play 'Russian Roulette' with the economy and the future of the country.
"Since his reckless and irrational decision to recall Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, and his Deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, from an international roadshow to boost investment, growth and job creation in South Africa, the gains made by Gordhan and Jonas to restore credibility in our economy following the disastrous firing of former Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, 15 months ago, have all but been eviscerated."
Maimane says Zuma has threatened South Africa's economy by dangling the possibility of firing Gordhan and Jonas before the country, and before the world, by using a bizarre and seemingly last minute 'security report' to justify such removals.
"This is nothing more than an attempt at total state capture and cannot be accepted," says Maimane.
Maimane says the DA calls on all political parties to support their motion, including the South African Communist Party's (SACP) deployees to Parliament.
"This is in light of their public pronouncements earlier today, in which it was confirmed that the removal of Gordhan and Jonas was discussed with its leadership, and that the party publically denounces Zuma's assault on the National Treasury and the economy."