Johannesburg – The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has written a letter to the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula complaining about some ANC members intimidating parliamentarians who did not want to toe the line in the vote for the adoption of the Section 89 report into Phala Phala.
On Tuesday, parliamentarians were expected to vote for the adoption of the report but it appears that pro Ramaphosa forces inside the ANC had been going around intimidation other members.
The Speaker of Parliaments decision not to have the vote done in a secret ballot was another worrying factor for parliamentarians who wanted to vote with their conscience.
ATM president Vuyo Zungula said it was public knowledge senior ANC member, Gwede Mantashe who holds the position of chairperson of the party has issued an unlawful spine chilling threat to members of the ANC who wished to vote with their conscience and not go with the party mandate.
“Following these very disturbing developments, the ATM is of the firm view that the Speaker cannot in good conscience purport to be acting in the best interests of the Members of the National Assembly by exposing them to the stated vicious wrath of the party, should their conscience vote differ from the one imposed by their party.
“The Speaker’s duty to act in the best interests of the members of the National Assembly is invoked,” Zungula said.
In light of this the ATM has requested the Speaker to urgently review her decision and allow secret ballot.
“This will validate and ensure Speaker’s contention that all members of Parliament are enabled to vote with their conscience in line with their oath of office.
“A secret ballot will definitely protect members of the National Assembly from the vicious and ghastly reprisals that have been openly communicated by their party bosses,” Zungula said,
According to the ATM Mapisa-Nqakula’s decision to reject the secret ballot despite overwhelming evidence against such a decision, will not pass the rationality test.
“Noting that the Speaker is already seized with the matter since our letter of 06 December 2022, we request the Speaker to urgently respond no later than 12pm on Monday 12 December 2022 failing which we will be forced to explore other lawful remedies open to us,” Zungula said.
The Star