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On 8 August 2017 opposition parties were united in their calls for Jacob Zuma to be voted unfit to hold the highest office in South Africa via a secret ballot

The outcome of the vote was in favour of Zuma, with the majority of the governing party and MP’s still rallying behind him, choosing plundering and looting of resources, corruption and state capturing.

As a non-political organisation, NUPSAW’s concern is with the more than 20 years the President and his allies have presided over an economy based neoliberal free-market monopoly and capitalist principles, which has led to mass unemployment, poverty and widespread inequality.

The under-performance of the Rand that immediately followed the announcement of Zuma’s survival is a clear indication of the markets wanting him to exit the Presidency. The local currency unit immediately weakened to R13.39 to the US dollar

It could clearly foresee that Moodley’s review of our foreign and local currency sovereign credit rating on Friday will be unchanged and will make it even more difficult to access funding in international bond markets.

The vote of no-confidence was called against the abuse of power by the leader of the governing party. The Constitution is clear when it states that, ‘If the National Assembly, by a vote supported by a majority of its members, passes a motion of no-confidence in the President, the President and the other members of Cabinet and any Deputy Ministers must resign’.

Therefore, following delivering of the Motion in Parliament by the Leader of the Opposition Mmusi Maimane, those speaking for the ANC resorted to emotionally-charged, misleading tactics mainly, because no ANC speaker could defend Zuma or come up with an argument why the President should stay in power. Instead, they embraced corruption and looting of our beloved country’s resources.

The statement made by the ruling party that they don’t care about the electorate but instead their concern and loyalty is to the party only, should be understood during 2019 general elections.

NUPSAW is however encouraged that at least some members of the governing party are beginning to see the light.

Issued by NUPSAW