Agang has wasted South Africa's time

03 March 2014

Through their clownish behavior today, Agang wasted Parliament and South Africa's time by withdrawing its motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma.

The motion of no confidence should have gone ahead, giving Parliament an opportunity to reflect on the fitness for office of the President, and the impact of his Presidency on society.

It seems that Agang have been co-opted by the President and have betrayed their voters in the process.

Their decision comes at a time when pressing issues, like the economy and unemployment are at crisis levels, and the country's constitutional democracy is being threatened.

Agang knew that Speaker Baleka Mbete would not recuse herself and that there would be no secret ballot, yet they made a conscious decision to keep the motion on the Order Paper, only to withdraw it during the debate.

Agang have made a mockery of Parliament and its function of holding the President and the Executive accountable.

It is clear that Agang do not have the political will or acumen to follow through with decisions, and they owe South Africa an explanation for their less than honourable conduct.

Statement issued by Mike Waters MP, DA Deputy Chief Whip, March 3 2015

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