DA refuses to back EFF’s motion of no confidence against Speaker Thoko Didiza

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said despite its criticism of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, it won’t be supporting a motion of no confidence in her on Wednesday afternoon.

The motion brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is the first against Didiza since she took charge of Parliament two years ago.

DA Parliamentary Leader George Michalakis said he met with Didiza earlier this month to talk through the party’s concerns about the institution.

The DA believes that removing the Speaker at this stage would be premature and would not be the right way to strengthen Parliament.

He said the party had engaged with the Speaker on several issues, including the need for a clear recruitment policy for the Secretary to Parliament and the importance of ensuring that the institution remains independent.

Michalakis added that while the DA has had its disagreements with Didiza, it believes that the focus should be on holding the executive to account rather than engaging in what it views as political theater.