National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza Survives No‑Confidence Motion

What Happened?

On Wednesday afternoon, South Africa’s National Assembly held a virtual sitting to decide on a motion of no confidence against Speaker Thoko Didiza. The motion was brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and accused her of bias in handling the impeachment inquiry of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Why the EFF Filed the Motion

Allegations of Bias

The EFF claimed that Didiza failed to protect Parliament by not opposing President Ramaphosa’s application for an interdict that would have stopped the impeachment proceedings. They argued this showed a lack of independence, impartiality, and integrity.

Didiza’s Response

Didiza said she simply followed the court’s ruling. She noted that the impeachment committee, led by chairperson Makhashule Gana, had already filed a notice to oppose the interdict application.

Who Supported and Who Opposed the Motion?

Supporters

The EFF, MK Party, UTA, ACDP, ATM, and NCC said they would back the motion.

Opponents

The ANC, DA, Build One South Africa (BOSA), Patriotic Alliance, IFP, Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, PAC, Rise Mzansi, Al Jama‑ah, and another PAC faction said they would vote against it.

How the Vote Works

Quorum Needed

A quorum requires more than half of the 400 members to be present – at least 201 MPs.

Passing the Motion

If a quorum is met, the motion needs a simple majority of those voting: 50 % plus one of the votes cast. If all 400 members vote, the threshold is 201 votes.

The Virtual Sitting

Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet ran the session entirely online. Only she was physically in the Good Hope Chamber. All ANC MPs gathered in one location in Cape Town to cast their votes, while a few members, such as Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi (who was hospitalised), were absent.

Each MP was called by name to register their vote.

Results of the Vote

• Yes (in favour of removing Didiza): 101 votes
• No (against the motion): 282 votes

With 282 “no” votes, the motion failed to reach the required majority.

What This Means

The outcome shows that the majority of MPs still have confidence in Speaker Thoko Didiza to lead the National Assembly. The vote also highlights the political divide over how the impeachment inquiry should be handled and the role of the Speaker in safeguarding parliamentary independence.

Conclusion

Speaker Thoko Didiza survived her first no‑confidence challenge. The virtual vote, with a clear majority against the motion, reinforces her position for now, while the debate continues over accountability and fairness in South Africa’s parliamentary processes.