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South African President Zuma survives no-confidence vote

Xinhua, March 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Africa's parliament on Tuesday rejected a motion of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma, tabled by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA).

During the no-confidence debate, DA leader Mmusi Maimane accused Zuma of putting his own interests ahead of the interests of the people of South Africa, labelling him a "sell-out".

"South Africans deserve a leader who is better," Maimane said.

But MPs of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) rallied behind Zuma.

The ANC has said the motion "is nothing but a diversionary ploy which is intended to avert attention of the public from the racism scandals that is confronting the party (DA)."

The DA requested Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete to schedule the no-confidence vote, after Zuma fired then Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene in December last year in an abrupt move critisized by many.

The DA blames the removal of Nene for the ensuing financial turmoil, demanding Zuma be taken to task for his "reckless handling of the economy".

It is the not the first time Zuma has survived an attempt to remove him. In March last year, a motion of no-confidence in him was also defeated. Endit