MOTION OF CONFIDENCE IN SPEAKER MBETE

11 September 2014

This afternoon the Chief Whip of the African National Congress in Parliament tabled a motion proposing to the House that it reaffirm its confidence in the able leadership of Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, to continue to lead Parliament. It is expected that the motion would be debated and voted on by the House on Tuesday.

The Chief Whip's motion:

I give notice that I will move that the House -

(1) Notes that Honourable Baleka Mbete is an outstanding veteran of the struggle for our liberation and has dedicated her life to the betterment of the lives of all our people;

(2) further notes that she is a former Deputy President of South Africa, she was previously Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa from 2004 to 2008 and the Deputy Speaker from 1996 to 2004;

(3) acknowledges that when she went into exile she taught in Mbabane, and then went on to work for the African National Congress in several other African cities including Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Gaborone, Harare, and Lusaka;

(4) further acknowledges that as one of those who played midwives to our democracy and reconciliation she served as a member of the Presidential Panel on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;

(5) recalls that in all these positions she has served the nation of with integrity, professionalism, dedication and selflessness;

(6) further recalls that she is one of the foremost advocates for gender equality and a beacon of hope for many young women ;

(7) believes that her vast experience in the politics, governance, legislature and social transformation stands her in good stead to lead this Parliament for the next five years; and

(8) expresses its confidence in her able leadership of this Legislature.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, September 11 2014

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