The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has officially submitted a motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing constitutional violations, economic mismanagement, and alleged political interference in state institutions.

The motion, submitted by MK Party Deputy President and Parliamentary Leader Dr. Mandlakayise John Hlophe, on Tuesday, marks the first formal attempt to oust Ramaphosa since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) following the May 2024 general elections.

In a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Hlophe invoked Section 102(2) of the Constitution and Rule 129 of the National Assembly, requesting an urgent special sitting within two weeks to debate and vote on the matter.

“We submit this motion in defence of our constitutional democracy and to restore the credibility of the executive,” Hlophe wrote in his submission. “The president has shown a consistent disregard for the rule of law and good governance.”

Grounds for the Motion

• While the MK Party has yet to publicly release the full text of its motion, sources indicate that it accuses Ramaphosa of:
  Undermining democratic accountability through excessive centralisation of power in the Presidency;
• Failing to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, youth unemployment, and power cuts;
• Interfering in the independence of Chapter 9 institutions;
• Ignoring constitutional obligations in handling public protests and state violence;
• Allowing elite capture of the criminal justice system.

The motion also references the Phala Phala scandal, in which Ramaphosa was accused of failing to report the theft of foreign currency from his Limpopo farm in 2020. Although the ANC used its parliamentary majority to block a Section 89 impeachment process in late 2022, the MK Party argues the unresolved questions undermine Ramaphosa’s credibility.

Political Stakes in a Fractured GNU

The motion has immediately intensified pressure within the GNU—a fragile coalition government formed in the wake of South Africa’s first hung Parliament since 1994. President Ramaphosa’s ANC now governs alongside the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and smaller parties, while facing opposition from the MK Party, EFF, and various independents.

The MK Party, which secured over 14% of the national vote in the 2024 elections, has positioned itself as the most vocal opponent of the GNU, calling it an “illegitimate alliance of elites.”

Political analysts say the motion is unlikely to pass, given the ANC and DA’s combined majority in the House. However, it could expose cracks within the ruling coalition, particularly with rumblings of discontent within ANC ranks and renewed tensions between ANC and DA officials over foreign policy, economic priorities, and state appointments.

“This is not just about removing Ramaphosa—it’s about testing the coherence of the GNU,” said political analyst Dr. Asanda Mvambo. “If even a small group within the ANC abstains or votes against Ramaphosa, it would signal a major rupture in the coalition.”

Hlophe’s Emergence as GNU’s Chief Challenger

The motion also represents a high-profile political manoeuvre by Dr. John Hlophe, the controversial former Western Cape Judge President who was impeached in 2023 and joined the MK Party shortly after.

Hlophe’s rapid political rise and legal credentials have made him a key voice in Parliament, particularly on constitutional and judicial matters. His critics accuse him of harbouring a personal vendetta against Ramaphosa and the ANC, but his supporters see him as a fearless campaigner against elite impunity.

Last week, Hlophe led MK’s protest march to the Union Buildings, calling for the dissolution of the GNU and fresh national elections. His motion follows consistent claims by MK that the GNU was “engineered in boardrooms, not ballot boxes,” and has no popular mandate.

Historic Parallels and Growing Dissent

This is the second major motion of no confidence against a sitting president in a decade. Former President Jacob Zuma survived multiple such motions before being recalled by his own party in 2018.

Unlike Zuma, Ramaphosa has styled himself as a reformer. But recent events—such as the public spat with the DA over the diplomatic role of former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, as well as the backlash to Cabinet appointments—have damaged his “new dawn” image.

Just last week, the EFF also accused Ramaphosa of shielding “elite criminal networks” and obstructing justice in politically motivated assassinations.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations including the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) and OUTA have criticised the GNU for its lack of transparency and uneven governance.

“This motion, even if symbolic, is a mirror to the public,” said political commentator Karima Daniels. “It reflects a growing lack of faith—not only in Ramaphosa but in the idea that this coalition can deliver meaningful change.”

What Happens Next?

In terms of parliamentary procedure, Speaker Thoko Didiza must now schedule a debate on the motion within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 14 working days. A vote of no confidence requires a simple majority of MPs to succeed.

If passed, President Ramaphosa and his Cabinet would be constitutionally required to resign. This would plunge South Africa into a constitutional crisis, with Parliament needing to elect a new president—likely triggering deeper instability within the GNU.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Presidency had not issued a formal response to the motion. However, ANC insiders suggested the party would instruct its MPs to close ranks behind Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen reiterated his party’s support for the GNU framework, describing the MK Party’s motion as “populist theatre.”

But with a growing chorus of dissent and distrust in government, many South Africans are watching closely—not for the result of the vote, but for what it reveals about the country’s political soul.