John Steenhuisen Slams MKP’s Motion Against President, SA Split As DA Leader Defends Cyril Ramaphosa

• John Steenhuisen has weighed in on uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party threats against President Cyril Ramaphosa
• The Democratic Alliance leader believes that the MK Party is the last party to talk about good governance
• South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on Steenhuisen defending the president

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – John Steenhuisen has accused the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party of being opportunistic with its threats of a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Democratic Alliance leader made the comments before the MK Party made good on its threats and followed through by filing the motion with the National Assembly speaker.

The MK Party cited a range of concerns for its unhappiness with the president, and also stated that under his leadership, public trust had eroded.

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What did Steenhuisen say about the party?

During an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Steenhuisen said he didn’t take anything the MK Party says or does very seriously. He added that they were the last party that should be pointing fingers at government processes.

"Their leader delivered us the nine wasted years that we are currently trying to clean the mess up from," he said.

Steenhuisen, who has at times been critical of Ramaphosa, said that the president made the right decision by placing Senzo Mchunu on leave while he is facing these allegations. Steenhuisen also said there was nothing unprocedural about the president appointing Professor Firoz Cachalia as the new Minister of Police as well.

Will the DA support a motion of no confidence?

During the interview, Steenhuisen was also asked if the DA would support the MK Party in a motion of no confidence.

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Steenhuisen said that it would be rather odd for the DA to be part of government, but then be a part of bringing down that government.

“I think the MK Party is being opportunistic in this instance and we will not be making common cause with it, he said.”

Ironically, the DA has recently threatened to file its own motion if Ramaphosa didn’t take action against African National Congress ministers accused of corruption.

Speaking to Briefly News, Itumeleng Makgetla, a Political Analyst at the University of Pretoria, spoke about why the DA would not rush to remove Ramaphosa.

"This might cause further internal campaigns within the ANC to recall him, and this will trigger a succession battle between the factions of the ANC.

"Given that the survival of the GNU thus far is by-and-large held together by President Ramaphosa’s position, it is unlikely that the DA will rush to remove him as his removal might cough up unpredictable outcomes that may sway the elections in all directions," he noted.

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How did South Africans react?

Social media users shared mixed reactions as some noted how strange it was that the DA were defending Ramaphosa.

@StheNgcobo_ said:

“These politicians are full of nonsense. No one defends corruption between them. Eintlik, both the ANC and DA are now colluding to protect the most useless president and to keep their members driving around in blue lights. This should trigger a revolution. We are on our own.”

@MtoloSam stated:

“The unity between the DA and ANC since Zuma left is amazing. The problem was not the ANC, it was Zuma and continues to be Zuma.”

@XFactor079 noted:

“Cyril Ramaphosa has the DA defending him 😂.”

@Thokoza88288017 added:

“The DA is worried. How they vote in the Motion of No Confidence against Ramaphosa will have adverse implications for them. People are angry with the government of Ramaphosa, and whoever protects him will pay the price in the 2026 local government elections.”

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@Teboho_Afrique said:

“The fact that the DA hasn't pulled out of the coalition amidst criminal allegations against the ANC comrades says a lot about them.”

@Monde616 added:

“They are the enablers of ANC corruption by keeping it in power.”

@SarahPottera stated:

“The truth is that as much as Cyril is the bottom of the barrel, he is also the height of ANC leadership. What comes next will definitely be worse. Nor do I trust MK and EFF not to make a play for government. That’s the last thing SA needs. I am going with DA on this one.”

@Nkosi_Shebi said:

“The DA is power hungry. They will not vote against Ramaphosa and risk losing positions and blue lights.”

MK Party files motion of no confidence

Briefly News reported that the MK Party lost faith in President Cyril Ramaphosa and wants him gone.

The party officially filed a motion of no confidence against the president over a number of concerns.

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MK Party accuses Cyril Ramaphosa of abusing Constitution, wants court to set aside his decisions

South Africans shared their thoughts on the party's plan, debating whether it would actually work.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News