POLITICS

Agang SA's motion destined for dustbin of history - Office of ANC Chief Whip

Party says it is looking forward to reaffirming its confidence in President Jacob Zuma

AGANG'S PROPOSED MOTION

2 March 2015

The African National Congress in Parliament is looking forward to reaffirm the confidence of the overwhelming majority of South Africans in the able leadership of President Jacob Zuma when the National Assembly sits tomorrow to debate a motion by Agang. There is no doubt that the so-called ‘motion of no confidence' in the President, brought by a two-member party, Agang-SA, is destined for the same fate as other frivolous motions before it - the dustbin of parliamentary history.

We will continue to ensure that the will of the overwhelming majority of our people, over 11 million of which recently demonstrated an unequivocal confidence in the capable leadership of the ANC and its president at elections, continues to find full expression in this Parliament.

Agang's motion, which has already twice suffered humiliating denunciations at both the Concourt and the High Court, is out of tune with the sentiments of many South Africans - which probably include its handful of supporters. Many South Africans have reacted positively to the President's bold plans in his State of the Nation Address to radically ignite our economic growth, drastically boost job creation and reduce the levels of poverty and inequality. It is unfortunate that motions such as Agang's are driven by neither substance nor rationale but by sheer desperation for media attention.

Notwithstanding the obvious fact that the motion is time-wasting and a mockery to our participatory democracy, we will use its debate as an opportunity to reaffirm our people's confidence in President Jacob Zuma through superior and factual argument. Side-shows and gimmicks by a publicity-starved mini party can never distract us from the important task of moving this country forward.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, March 2 2015

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