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The African National Congress welcomes the debate on the motion of no confidence against President Zuma tabled by AGANGA-SA set down for today, 3 March 2015. This debate signals a maturing democracy in South Africa, where a two member party in Parliament, can call for a debate on a matter of significant proportions and the African National Congress, with its overwhelming majority in Parliament, accedes to debating this motion; proving once again that all voices must be heard and are respected in our country.

The ANC has no intention to use its majority to stifle dissent in Parliament or elsewhere in our country and hence we are pleased with the opportunity to engage logically and substantively on the issued raised by AGANG-SA. Already we are aware that AGANGA-SA has shown signs of accepting defeat on this fanciful debate, however as the ANC we remain committed to upholding the Constitution which guarantees everyone freedom of speech. We will therefore engage this motion, however frivolous it may be, given the fact that less than 12 months ago, South Africans - not just ANC members- expressed their confidence in President Zuma through exercising their right to vote. It is unclear what it is AGANG-SA believes has changed from them being defeated at the polls and being rejected by the electorate that qualifies them to stand judgement against the expressed will of the people.

Issued by ANC