A “revolutionary party” would not support a motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma if it means voting with the opposition, according to ANC secretary general Ace Magashule.
Magashule was speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday where he announced that the ANC national executive committee has decided to recall Zuma. The president, meanwhile, has not yet agreed to resign, saying he needs three to six months to tender his resignation.
If Zuma refuses to step down, a motion of no confidence will be tabled at the National Assembly in Parliament where the ANC majority will have to vote in favour of Zuma to leave in order for him to be forced to step down.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters has asked that a motion of no confidence be tabled this week, but Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete has no yet communicated her decision.
Magashule said that the ruling party would not be likely to vote with the opposition, because it goes against party politics and lines.
“As a revolutionary party I don’t know whether we will support the motion of no confidence,” Magashule said.
Magashule also said that he does not know if the ANC caucus in Parliament will be split. The caucus is expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the NEC outcomes on Zuma’s fate. But Magashule rubbished any claim that MP’s can vote with the conscience instead of in line with what their party wants.
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“You can’t be a party member and you vote with your conscience. That can’t happen,” he said.
He affirmed, however, that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) would not take place unless ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the speech.