The DA’s attempts to block ANC president Jacob Zuma’s re-election as the country’s leader were stymied by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng in a drama-filled swearing-in ceremony in the National Assembly yesterday.
The DA’s James Selfe objected to Zuma’s nomination, saying he was not a “fit and proper” person to hold the office of president in terms of the rules governing the first sittings of the National Assembly.
Selfe’s objections drew fury from the ANC benches, with Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor and her Public Service counterpart Lindiwe Sisulu springing to Zuma’s defence as Zuma looked on.
“It would have done the honourable member [Selfe] well to read the constitution before this frivolous motion because this house is now mandated to elect a president from among the members of the National Assembly,” she said amid loud applause from ANC MPs.
DA MPs shouted in disagreement while the Economic Freedom Fighters’ MPs sat with arms folded to show that they favoured neither side.
Mogoeng ruled in the ANC’s favour, saying that, by law, any objection to the candidacy of any of the MPs who took an oath of office should have been raised between May 10 and the start of yesterday’s proceedings.
“My ruling is therefore to dismiss the point raised … without costs,” he said.
A light moment followed as EFF leader Julius Malema gestured repeatedly when Mogoeng asked if there were any more nominations, as if indicating that he was available to challenge Zuma.
The election of the Speaker of the National Assembly was characterised by controversy.
Baleka Mbete was opposed by Nosimo Balindlela, of the DA.
Balindlela, a former premier of Eastern Cape, said: “We do not want corruption charges tarnishing the Office of the Speaker.”
She was referring to an investigation into allegations of corruption and bribery in a Gold Fields empowerment transaction involving Mbete .
Lechesa Tsenoli was elected Deputy Speaker.
Source – Timelive