South Africa’s ruling party will discipline at least three of the 26 legislators, who voted against President Jacob Zuma on Aug. 7 no confidence vote in parliament, the broadcaster eNCA and other media reported on Tuesday.
The African National Congress (ANC) will not go on a “witch hunt’’ against all the legislators, who broke ranks, party Secretary General, Gwede Mantashe, said at a news conference broadcast by eNCA.
But those, who had publicly expressed they would vote against Zuma will face a disciplinary inquiry, reports said.
“If you voted for no-confidence and kept quiet, you won’t be hunted. But if you flaunt it, you’re undermining the organisation,” Mantashe said.
Former Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, former Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom and legislators Makhosi Khoza and Mondli Gungubele had publicly stated that they would vote with their conscience.
Zuma had survived several previous no-confidence votes on the strength of the ANC, which has an absolute majority in parliament.
But the Aug. 7 vote was the first held on a secret ballot, allowing lawmakers from Zuma’s own party to vote against him.
The 75-year old, who has come under pressure to resign due to corruption scandals and an economic slowdown, survived the no-confidence motion with 198 votes to 177.
The ANC has more than 200 members in the legislature, though the exact figure is disputed following a death and some party resignations.
(dpa/NAN)
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