WATCH: Opposition demand Baleka step down from presiding over debate
Opposition parties have called on Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete to recuse herself from presiding over today’s debate to remove Jacob Zuma from office calling her a “constitutional illiterate”.
The EFF’s Floyd Shivambu rose on a point of order before proceedings could get under way‚ saying last week’s Constitutional Court judgment‚ in which Mbete was a respondent‚ meant she should not participate.
They argued that Mbete‚ having been a respondent in the court case‚ would not be an “impartial umpire” in the matter.
The EFF was backed by the DA‚ the IFP‚ COPE‚ NFP‚ the Freedom Front Plus and the UDM in the call for Mbete to hand over to the Deputy Speaker for the debate.
The opposition‚ who had earlier held a joint meeting‚ presented a united front in the house.
The DA’s John Steenhuisen said that while there was nothing in the rules compelling her to step down‚ she was required to uphold the dignity of Parliament‚ and as such‚ should step down from chairing the session.
Mbete however maintained that there was nothing in the rules or the Constitution that compelled her to step down.
She however said that the house should vote on the matter. She was backed by Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula‚ and Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor in the call for a vote.
EFF leader Julius Malema‚ who became very angry with Mbete told her to “listen to superior logic” while MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi called her a “constitutional illiterate”.
Proceedings have been suspended for 10 minutes in order for Mbete to consult with party whips.
Tiso Black Star Group Digital/Tiso Black Star Group Parliamentary Bureau