The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has escalated its efforts to remove President Cyril Ramaphosa, formally demanding that Parliament’s Speaker schedule a motion of no confidence without delay.
MK Party deputy president and parliamentary leader John Hlophe said the party is actively lobbying other parties in the National Assembly for support and is urging “every right-minded South African” to back the move. He described the push as an appeal to law-abiding citizens who believe the president has violated the Constitution and his oath of office.
Hlophe emphasised that a motion of no confidence under section 102 of the Constitution requires only a simple majority (50% plus one), distinguishing it clearly from the section 89 impeachment process, which needs a two-thirds majority. He stated that the party would view any decision by the Speaker to prioritise the section 89 committee process as a delaying tactic, noting the two procedures are separate and distinct.
The MK Party is calling for the vote to be conducted by secret ballot so that members of Parliament can vote according to their conscience rather than party lines. Hlophe cited the 2017 Constitutional Court judgment in United Democratic Movement versus the Speaker of the National Assembly, which established that a secret ballot can be ordered in certain circumstances. He expressed optimism that the Speaker would grant the request.
“We would expect right-minded South African citizens, people who are law-abiding, people who know the truth to vote according to their conscience and not according to party political line,” Hlophe said. “When voters vote according to party political line, they don’t apply their minds. People vote like robots or vote like sheep.”
Hlophe confirmed that lobbying of likeminded parties represented in the National Assembly is already underway, including outreach to members of the African National Congress (ANC), which he said is deeply divided on the issue. He indicated the appeal extends to all parties in Parliament, though the party’s primary focus is on progressive forces such as the EFF and ATM, as well as other willing partners.
On the question of waiting for the section 89 impeachment inquiry, Hlophe argued that the evidence against Ramaphosa is already overwhelming and that no right-minded South African still has confidence in him. He described the current motion as a strategic move, noting that the party had originally drafted and submitted it in October last year, before resuscitating and updating it following the Constitutional Court judgment delivered on 8 May 2026.
Hlophe rejected suggestions of a personal vendetta, pointing out that the impeachment process against the president had been underway even before he returned to Parliament in a different capacity. “There is no personal vendetta at all. It’s a question of principle. He has violated his oath of office. He must go sooner rather than later,” he said.
He further clarified that the MK Party holds the ANC — rather than Parliament as an institution — responsible for previously using its majority to halt oversight processes. The party believes the recent Constitutional Court judgment provides sufficient basis to proceed while rules may still need amendment in line with the court’s directives to prevent future interference with parliamentary processes.