Latest news with #uMkhontoweSizwe
The South African
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
MK Party wants secret ballot for Ramaphosa no-confidence vote
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has requested that the Motion of No Confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa be conducted via a secret ballot. The party's parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe, wrote a formal request to the Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza. He believes that a secret ballot will ensure that Members of Parliament (MPs) can exercise their constitutional duty freely, without fear of intimidation. According to Hlophe, the request aligns with Rule 129 of the National Assembly Rules. Given the sensitive nature of the motion, the MK Party believes a secret ballot is necessary to protect the integrity of the process. Hlophe said the ballot must reflect principles of accountability and transparency, and protect MPs' freedom to vote according to their conscience. 'A secret ballot will safeguard the integrity of the voting process and ensure that the outcome reflects the true will of the MP,' said Hlophe. Hlophe further called on Speaker Didiza to consult with relevant stakeholders and to make an urgent decision on the matter. The MK Party filed the motion on Tuesday, 22 July. The party cited President Ramaphosa's dismissal of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the appointment of Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia as the basis for its action. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Controversy over Police Minister's leave: EFF files legal challenge against Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to serious allegations linking Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to criminal activities. Image: IOL Graphics The EFF has served President Cyril Ramaphosa with a legal letter challenging his decision to place embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave. This move comes after allegations of corruption were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The EFF contends that Ramaphosa does not have the constitutional power to put a cabinet minister on leave of absence, instead suggesting he should relieve Mchunu of his duties. The EFF isn't the only party questioning Ramaphosa's decisions, with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party also indicating that it's drafting papers for a Constitutional Court challenge, and the DA confirming that police is now investigating the criminal complaint it lodged against Mchunu Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of interfering with sensitive police investigations and colluding with businesspeople to disband the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal. In response, Ramaphosa established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate these allegations, which is expected to take between six to twelve months. Mchunu has been placed on leave of absence with Professor Firoz Cachalia appointed as acting Minister of Police effective August 1. In the letter sent by England Slabbert Attorneys on behalf of the EFF, the party highlights several points that include the lack of constitutional power. 'The President does not have the power under Section 91(2) of the Constitution to place a Minister on leave. 'A Minister without powers or functions is unlawful as the Constitution requires Ministers to be assigned powers and functions. 'Placing Mchunu on special leave while he continues to draw a ministerial salary, alongside appointing an acting Minister, is seen as an abuse of state resources,' the letter read. "The decision is not only illegal, it is also a flagrant abuse of state resources. It allows Senzo Mchunu to continue drawing a full ministerial salary under the guise of 'special leave'...' the letter continued. The Red Berets demanded that Ramaphosa provide certain information by Monday, July 21, regarding Mchunu's powers and functions during his leave; the pecuniary benefits Mchunu will receive; and the rationale behind the decision to place Mchunu on leave or face further legal action. The letter further asked for reasons why the President placed Mchunu on leave and the reasons why the President, in light of Mkhwanazi's allegations, decided not to dismiss Mchunu. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to questions whether the president was preparing to challenge the EFF's court action. The MKP also intends to draft papers for a Constitutional Court challenge against Ramaphosa's decision while the DA has expressed concerns about the decision, emphasising the need for accountability and warning that commissions of inquiry might be used to delay action. Meanwhile, the DA confirmed that the criminal case the party lodged against Mchunu last week was under investigation. In a statement this week the party's deputy Chief Whip in Parliament, Baxolile Nodada, said a senior Lieutenant Colonel has been assigned as investigating officer in the criminal matter against Mchunu, marking the seriousness with which the SAPS is treating the case. 'The DA has provided the SAPS with a full account on the affidavit of the conduct of Minister Mchunu, for them to begin their investigation. 'Senzo Mchunu, as all other South Africans, must abide by the laws of South Africa – and where laws are broken, criminal investigations must follow. 'Misleading Parliament, lying and fraudulent cover ups cannot be tolerated from ANC Ministers. 'They are serious offences. Parliament is the structure to which the Executive must account honestly, and truthfully,' said Nodada. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
MK party slams Ramaphosa over missed Mandela Day deadline
The MK party listed a range of actions that they would take should the president not step down. The MK party claims it has taken note of President Cyril Ramaphosa's failure to abide by a resignation ultimatum the party had issued earlier this month. Former president Jacob Zuma's party confirmed that Ramaphosa had until Mandela Day, Friday, July 18, 2025, to tender his resignation or face several repercussions. Missed deadline MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has now written to National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza to table a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa. 'The uMkhonto weSizwe party notes that Mr Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to meet the deadline set by the Chief Justice to file opposing papers in the Constitutional Court, following President Jacob Zuma and the MK party challenging the matter surrounding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, the illegal appointment of an acting Minister, as well as forcing the judiciary to investigate itself last week'. ALSO READ: Here's why Zuma's MK party wants Ramaphosa removed in 'urgent' motion of no confidence 'Defiance' Ndhlela said this is clear 'defiance of the directives issued by the Chief Justice.' 'It comes as no surprise that Ramaphosa, a known money-launderer, also doubles as a constitutional delinquent,' Ndhlela said. 'The Chief Justice had instructed Mr. Ramaphosa to respond by Tuesday, 22 July 2025, outlining the legal basis for three key decisions: placing Minister Senzo Mchunu on a 'leave of absence' instead of removing him as a Minister, appointing a non-Cabinet member to serve as an Acting Minister and requesting the judiciary to investigate itself. 'This latest move by Ramaphosa raises significant constitutional questions and concerns about transparency, accountability and his overall leadership. 'The failure to respond also undermines the integrity of the judiciary as well as the public's right to answers regarding the serious allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,' Ndhlela said. Draft motion In the draft motion, Zuma's party asked Didiza to consider its motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa, accusing him of economic mismanagement, law enforcement failures, and 'failure to act decisively against corruption.' MK party parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe claims that Ramaphosa's leadership has 'eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel.' NOW READ: Why the ANC remains a safe haven for corruption
The South African
3 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Ramaphosa ignores MK Party deadline, motion of no confidence filed
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party plans to follow through on its promise to file a motion of no confidence in the National Assembly against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party had issued an ultimatum for Ramaphosa to resign or retract comments he made during a national address concerning Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The president did not to meet the MK Party's 18 July deadline. At a press briefing on Tuesday, 22 July, the party shared its latest developments, including its legal pursuits. The briefing was led by MK Party deputy president and its leader in Parliament, John Hlophe, and chief whip Colleen Makhubele. Members of Parliament ((MPs) Des Van Rooyen, Sanele Mwali, Wesley Douglas, Brian Molefe, and Sibongiseni Majola were also present. Makhubele stated that the motion was brought forward due to Ramaphosa's alleged 'failures' to dismiss Mchunu and to protect the country's most vulnerable citizens. The move comes just days after the party's Mandela Day march, which called for Ramaphosa's resignation. The MK Party claimed the march had strengthened its call for justice and accountability. A motion of no confidence is a formal mechanism used by MPs. It indicates that they no longer support the president or the Cabinet. If the motion is passed, it may lead to the resignation or removal of the individual or group concerned. According to Section 102 of the Constitution, any MP may propose such a motion. The speaker of the National Assembly is required to give the motion due consideration and must consult with the leader of government Bbsiness and the chief whip of the majority party before scheduling it. The speaker must also be satisfied that the motion complies with relevant rules and legal requirements. Once approved, the motion must be scheduled, debated, and voted on within a reasonable period. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
«We won't criticize him publicly», says Polisario after Zuma's Morocco visit and Sahara support
South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma remains under scrutiny following his recent visit to Morocco, where he expressed support for the 2007 autonomy plan for the Sahara in his capacity as leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. The latest reaction comes from Mohamed Yeslem Beisat, the Polisario's former ambassador to South Africa and «foreign minister» of the self-proclaimed «SADR». «We as Polisario will never make public comments about comrade Jacob Zuma because of his age and because he has been friends with us for the last 50 years», Beisat told South Africa's Mail & Guardian. «Unless we meet and hear from him directly, we will never make Morocco happy by speaking badly or negatively about him», he added. Zuma's position has triggered strong political backlash in South Africa. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) condemned the move and called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demand an official apology from Morocco for displaying the South African flag during a partisan meeting. Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), also weighed in. On Monday, he harshly criticized Zuma, calling him a «sellout». In response, Magasela Mzobe, head of the MK party's presidential office, defended Zuma's stance. He praised Morocco as «a prime example of how democracy and modernity can coexist under traditional leadership». Mzobe argued that after decades of deadlock, the most pragmatic solution is autonomy within Morocco, akin to South African provinces with self-governance under one national flag. «That's why we propose an autonomous region of Sahrawis under one country and one flag, Morocco», he argued. He added that the MK party intends to meet with the Polisario Front to explain why it believes autonomy, rather than independence, is the most realistic path forward after decades of unresolved conflict. It is worth noting that Zuma and a delegation from the MK party visited Morocco last week, meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. During the visit, Zuma described Morocco's autonomy proposal as «a meaningful framework for local governance that also upholds Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara». The visit took place just weeks after the MK party, founded in December 2023 and now the third-largest political force in South Africa's National Assembly, officially recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.
