EFF bid to oust National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza soundly defeated in Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has survived a motion of no confidence brought against her by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Parliament on Tuesday.

The motion, which sought to remove Didiza from her position, was soundly defeated with 282 members voting against it, while 101 voted in favour.

The EFF had tabled the motion in June, accusing the Speaker of failing to uphold the constitutional duties of Parliament. The party’s grievance stemmed from Didiza’s decision not to oppose a court application brought by President Cyril Ramaphosa to interdict impeachment proceedings related to the Phala Phala farm scandal.

The motion brought by the EFF was nothing more than a calculated political gimmick designed to undermine democratic processes, generate media headlines and waste the valuable time of Parliament. At no point did the Speaker violate any law, standing rule, or constitutional obligation.

The ANC parliamentary caucus welcomed the outcome of the vote, describing the EFF’s attempt as a groundless effort to disrupt parliamentary operations. Other political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), had previously indicated they would not support the motion, arguing that removing the Speaker would be premature.