DA Demands More Minister Firings as Zuma’s MK Party Pushes Urgent Bid to Oust Ramaphosa

Fire more tainted ministers or else… DA tells Cyril

Zuma’s MK Party turns up the heat with urgent motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa

South Africa’s political tensions escalated sharply this week, as former President Jacob Zuma’s MK party formally lodged an urgent motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa. The move, spearheaded by MK parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe, comes amid growing frustration over crime, corruption, and what the party calls a national leadership crisis.

And they’re not alone in turning up the pressure. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Ramaphosa to fire ministers implicated in wrongdoing, or face consequences. It’s a political double punch that could further fracture the already shaky coalition under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

MK’s explosive allegations: Crime, corruption and collapse

In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, Hlophe accused Ramaphosa of overseeing the collapse of South Africa’s institutions, citing persistent crime, failing law enforcement, economic despair, and border insecurity.

“His leadership has eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel,” wrote Hlophe, requesting a special parliamentary sitting within two weeks to debate and vote on the motion.

Hlophe insists the motion is not a political stunt, but a “necessary step” to restore governance and prevent deeper national instability.

What’s in the motion?

Here are the key reasons the MK Party says Ramaphosa must go:

• Failing law enforcement: Rising murder, robbery and gender-based violence under his watch.

• SAPD in crisis: Inability to maintain public safety or prosecute top offenders.

• Criminal infiltration: Alleged interference in police and justice agencies, flagged by KwaZulu-Natal top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

• Economic mismanagement: Record unemployment and no real plan for recovery.

• Weak borders: Influx of undocumented foreign nationals.

• Inaction on organised crime: Construction mafia, kidnappings, and gang violence are running wild.

DA’s warning shot

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance is also demanding action. The party wants Ramaphosa to clean house and fire more ministers tainted by scandal, especially in light of recent explosive revelations implicating senior government officials. The DA’s warning is clear: act now or face political blowback.

Can Ramaphosa actually be removed?

While the motion is dramatic, its chances of success remain slim without support from the GNU coalition partners, many of whom still back Ramaphosa, for now.

But it’s a political moment heavy with symbolism: Zuma survived eight no-confidence votes during his own presidency. Will Ramaphosa now have to walk that same tightrope?

The MK party’s motion may not topple Ramaphosa, but it exposes a deepening crisis of confidence in his leadership, from crime and corruption to faltering economic prospects. Whether the President acts decisivelyor allows the pressure to mount, may determine the future of South Africa’s fragile coalition government.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com