As the Constitutional Court heard the United Democratic Movement’s arguments for a secret ballot to be used during the vote of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma on Monday, those outside the court grounds navigated through a group of parked police vans to get on with their daily business. Before the arrival of Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane and EFF president Julius Malema, buses dropped off small groups of political party supporters,who were carrying “Zuma Must Fall” signs, while an empty EFF truck played music. The Daily Vox spoke to some people outside the court and asked whether South Africa needs a secret ballot to get rid of Zuma.
According to deputy National Assembly speaker Lechesa Tsenoli, parliamentary rules do not allow for MPs to vote using secret ballots. Thembelani Jwili wanted to know the motives behind voting in secret.
An elderly woman who had been bussed in by the DA to support the court case supported the use of a secret ballot to get rid of Zuma.
Politicians who have previously gone against their party’s voting policies have faced disciplinary punishment. For example, former ANC MP Ben Turok, who contested and abstained from voting for the passing of the Protection of State Information Bill back in 2011 faced a disciplinary hearing. But is it right for political parties to discipline MPs who don’t vote in line with party policies?
And a fed-up Anny Kaka captured the general sentiment when she reminded us that the People’s Parliament is meant to be accountable to people, not politicians.
Voxes have been edited for brevity and clarity – The Daily Vox