Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business, today (19 November) said the decision by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to proceed with a motion to censure President Jacob Zuma had undermined multi-party efforts to resolve the situation in Parliament.

“The DA’s decision to proceed with the censure motion is inconsistent with the understanding reached in the meeting of party leaders in Tuynhuys yesterday. It goes to the heart of the need for the political solution the DA committed to during yesterday’s meeting.

“All parties represented at that meeting agreed to a process that would seek a political solution to the untenable situation in Parliament. They consequently agreed that various Parliamentary processes be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the multi-party engagement. The DA’s motion violates the spirit of this agreement.

“We are not going to be successful in restoring the dignity, integrity and standing of Parliament if parties cannot trust each other to honour their undertakings.

“We are concerned that the DA does not share our commitment to work towards the achievement of a climate in Parliament that enables members of the executive to appear before Parliament to account fully and properly.

“It is a matter of deep regret that, at this critical moment in the life of our Parliament, the leadership of the DA has chosen to subordinate national interests in favour of narrow party political interests.

“As the Executive, we remain committed to genuine and sincere partnerships to restore the integrity, stature and effectiveness of Parliament.”

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria