/ 6 April 2016

#ImpeachZuma according to Twitter

#impeachzuma According To Twitter

The motion to remove President Jacob Zuma from office didn’t succeed in the National Assemble on Tuesday evening. After hours of disruption and debate, final votes reflected that 143 members of parliament (MPs) were in favour and 233 MPs were opposed to the removal of the President.  

The motion, brought forward by the Democratic Alliance (DA), followed last week’s Constitutional Court ruling that Zuma failed to uphold the Constitution when he did not comply with public protector Thuli Madonsela’s directive for remedial action regarding payment for upgrades to his Nkandla homestead.  

As the debate to impeach Zuma was underway, social media was abuzz with users adding their opinions in 140 characters on Twitter. Let’s take a look: 

MPs put the country first: DA spokesperson for Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, Kevin Mileham sent the following tweet before the debate started:

Strong views were shared by ordinary South Africans …

Opposition vs Baleka Mbete
EFF MPs interrupted the debate asking the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, to step down and let the deputy speaker take over. 

Some on social media shared the same sentiments with MPs who wanted Mbete to step down …

After listening to MPs, Mbete decided to suspended the proceedings of the house for 10 minutes. 

After 10 minutes had passed, EFF MPs decided to gain momentum for round two …

‘Madam speaker, please take us seriously’ …

While the nation was waiting for the debate to continue @DearJacobZuma reminded the president what leadership is all about:

 

After waiting for an hour, proceedings resumed …

MPs voted. Zuma had survived again. 

He might have survived this round, but South Africans urged one another to ‘think before they vote’ in the next election …