Hellen Zille, the chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council has explained that her party will not impeach Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Newly-Birthed GNU
Last week, the DA signed an agreement with the African National Congress (AC) to form a Government of National Unity, which includes the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). This was because the ANC failed to get a majority in last month’s election and needed to merge with other parties to be able to govern.
The EFF refused to be part of any arrangement, which includes the DA. uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) refused any arrangement with the “ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa.”
Following the GNU agreement, DA and IFP legislators voted with their ANC counterparts to elect Cyril Ramaphosa as President last Friday.
Plans To Impeach President Cyril Ramaphosa
Last week, the EFF said it wants the impeachment of President Ramaphosa to be the first order of business in the 7th Parliament.
EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu told the media they have already written to the new Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, calling for the reinstatement of the impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa.
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa’s Presidency on the Brink: EFF Launches Explosive Impeachment Bid Over Phala Phala Scandal
The previous Parliament threw out a motion recommending an inquiry into the President over the theft of millions of dollars from his Phala Phala farm.
Some have speculated that later, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will be removed for DA leader John Steenhuisen. They added that later, the DA would also vote for the impeachment of Ramaphosa so Steenhuisen would become President.
Hellen Zille Says DA Won’t Vote To Impeach Cyril Ramaphosa
In an interview with Clement Manyatela this morning, Zille said Ramaphosa is safe.
Asked if the DA will vote out Ramaphosa if the Phala Phala scandal is revived, she said:
“We won’t vote to impeach a President we voted for.”
She revealed that this was part of the agreement with the ANC. Zille added that the DA would want Steenhuisen appointed Minister in the Presidency, not necessarily Deputy President.