South Africa has abandoned and wilfully squandered the high moral ground it occupied so proudly after 1994, Congress of the People (Cope) Parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala said on Thursday.

Proposing a motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma, Dandala told the National Assembly: "The President of our country has let us down. He has let Africa and the world down."

"Our destiny that looked so promising until a few months ago now faces a universal erosion on goodwill."

Zuma had failed to live up to the expectations of a broad spectrum of South Africans, he said.

A few examples demonstrated Zuma's "flagrant violation" of the oath he took when he occupied the highest office.

"It is common knowledge how the President has failed this nation by his repeated risky sexual behaviour, thus weakening the crucial fight against HIV/Aids and setting a poor example.

"He has failed to exercise any leadership over his Cabinet, some of who continue to send conflicting messages on what is acceptable ethical and moral behaviour.

"He has failed to act against approximately 2000 civil servants who are alleged to have stolen more than R650-million from the public purse.

"Despite having the Ginwala Commission's report available to him, he has failed to exercise good judgment by appointing a man of dubious record and poor capability as the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

"He has failed to lead on the issue of accountability to this Parliament by not declaring his assets and liabilities on time, only doing so eight month late and under public pressure.

"This sad reality, rather than any politicking and vengeful vendetta against the president, is why we are bringing this motion before this House.

"The President has by his own wilful conduct and dangerously flawed judgement, lost the confidence of this House and the nation. He should do the honourable thing and resign his office," Dandala said.