By: ANG Reporter
A group of seven opposition parties represented in the National Assembly have decided to work together to hold president Cyril Ramaphosa accountable for the theft of millions of foreign currency at his Limpopo farm two years ago.
The DA, EFF, IFP, National Freedom Party (NFP), African Transformation Movement (ATM), United Democratic Movement (UDM), and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) held a meeting in Johannesburg on Wednesday “to consolidate and strengthen opposition parties’ resolve and commitment to hold the Executive and President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable; especially in light of the serious allegations he faces regarding Phala Phala and the violation of the South African Constitution”.
“We are unanimous that the President must be held accountable as a matter of urgency and no delays, distractions, and procrastination should be permitted,” said the parties in a statement. “All the opposition parties expressed misgivings and discontent with the manner in which the Speaker of the National Assembly has thus far handled the demands of political parties to hold the President accountable. We also are in agreement that the concealment of the President’s responses to the Public Protector on the Phala Phala matter is unacceptable and must be challenged.”
The parties agreed among others that Parliament must hold Ramaphosa accountable “for the violation of laws, in terms of what in Phala – Phala and implicates him.” Opposition parties will initiate and participate in broader consultations with civil society organisations, non-profit organisations, trade unions, and religious bodies to consolidate a common approach and response to holding the Executive and the President accountable.”
The parties also agreed that the Public Protector” as a matter of urgency, and as required by law, should release the report on the Phala Phala investigations”. The parties agreed to request a follow-up meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngqakula “to discuss all accountability issues including the usage of a secret ballot for motions of no confidence”.
“Opposition parties will intensify our collective and individual court actions against the Speaker of the National Assembly and all other institutions that are attempting to suppress Parliament’s constitutional obligations to hold the Executive and Parliament accountable.”
“Parliament must be physically convened to deal with all Parliamentary issues and its agenda.” The parties agreed to hold a follow-up meeting on Wednesday, 10 August “to finalise a common approach on the establishment of a Section 89 Committee, Parliamentary ad hoc committees and an approach to a motion of no confidence in the President”.
