Making headlines: ANC says opposition MPs must also vote according to conscience; Zambian opposition leader detained, accused of defaming president; And, Unite Behind coalition vows to oust Zuma

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

ANC says opposition MPs must also vote according to conscience

The ANC is urging members of opposition parties in Parliament to vote according to their conscience and against their leaders' bid to pass a motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma.

This as the South African Council of Churches yesterday called on MPs to "rise above party politics" and vote in the "best interests of the constituencies they are called to serve".

The DA, EFF and the UDM have been at the forefront of trying to get the governing party’s MPs to break rank and not vote in accordance with what the party wants.

Opposition parties are hoping to get the motion against the president passed via secret ballot, having cited that some in the ANC were fearful of intimidation and losing their jobs if they failed to toe the party line.

Zambian opposition leader detained, accused of defaming president

Police arrested a Zambian opposition leader yesterday and said he would be charged with defaming President Edgar Lungu, an offence that carries a maximum five-year prison term.

Officers did not say how Saviour Chishimba, the head of the United Progressive People party, had defamed the president.

Chishimba hit the headlines in July criticising Lungu's decision to impose emergency powers and suggesting the president should go to hospital for mental tests.

Political tensions in Zambia, once seen as one of Africa's more stable and functional democracies, have been rising since main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was arrested on treason charges in April.

And, Unite Behind coalition vows to oust Zuma

The Unite Behind coalition aims to pile enough pressure on MPs to vote for the removal of President Jacob Zuma during a no confidence motion against him on Tuesday.

Organising secretariat Zackie Achmat said that the coalition’s duty was to ensure that President Jacob Zuma is recalled by the ANC.

The Unite Behind march is one of several marches for and against Zuma next week as he faces the vote amid concerns that the party has turned a blind eye to State capture and the needs of the poor.

The ANC is mobilising a march for Tuesday in support of Zuma, while opposition parties are expected to march against the president.

Also making headlines:
BLF borrows Brian Molefe's son's Audi
And, Mashaba unapologetic about stance on foreigners

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That’s a roundup of news making headlines today