President Cyril Ramaphosa will not face an impeachment process after an overwhelming majority of lawmakers voted against the adoption of the Phala Phala report.
While 148 members of parliament voted in favour, 214 voted against it, and 2 MPs abstained from the vote.
In her ruling, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula stated that the Section 89 process would not proceed.
Earlier, ANC president aspirant Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was one of only five ANC members of Parliament to vote in favour of proceeding with a full inquiry into the impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“As a disciplined member of the ANC, I vote yes,” Dlamini Zuma stated, eliciting criticism from fellow ANC MPs in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
There are 230 ANC MPs out of the 400 seats in the National Assembly. ANC MP Tandi Mahambehlala was also among those who voted in favour.
At first, she said: “Party line.” When asked to repeat her response, she said the same thing before ultimately voting yes, in favour of the adoption of the Phala Phala report. ANC MPs Supra Mahumapelo, Mosebenzi Zwane and Mervyn Dirks also voted yes.
Before voting closed, Mahambehlala backtracked and said that her vote had been captured incorrectly. She insisted that “party line” meant no.
However, Mapisa-Nqakula declined the request for a vote change. ANC MP Zweli Mkhize and Minister Lindiwe Sisulu were not present in Parliament for the vote.
ANC MP Phumulo Masualle voted no, even though he was among those calling for Ramaphosa to step down.
The final vote tally was:
Yes – 148
No – 214
Abstain – 2
The final votes indicate that an impeachment committee will not be established.