Johannesburg — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) wants Parliament to remove National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza through a motion of no confidence.
The National Assembly is considering the motion on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. EFF leader Julius Malema tabled the motion in June. It focuses on Didiza’s handling of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment process.
Why does the EFF want Didiza removed?
The dispute centres on Ramaphosa’s court application linked to the impeachment process arising from the Phala Phala matter.
Ramaphosa approached the Western Cape High Court to stop or suspend parts of Parliament’s impeachment process. Didiza decided not to oppose the application.
The EFF says Didiza should have defended Parliament in court. The party argues that her decision weakened Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to hold the President accountable.
The EFF also says Didiza did not follow legal advice that supported opposing the court application. It argues that her actions raised concerns about her independence and impartiality as Speaker.
The EFF therefore says it has lost confidence in Didiza’s leadership and wants her removed from office.
Which parties support the motion?
The MK Party supports the EFF’s motion of no confidence.
The party has criticised Didiza’s decision not to oppose Ramaphosa’s court application. It says the decision could weaken Parliament’s ability to hold the Executive accountable.
Which parties oppose the motion?
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will vote against the motion.
The DA has criticised some of Didiza’s decisions, including her handling of Ramaphosa’s court application. However, the party says removing her through a motion of no confidence would be premature.
ActionSA will also vote against the motion.
The party says the EFF has not provided enough grounds to justify removing Didiza. ActionSA also says Parliament should remain focused on holding Ramaphosa accountable through the impeachment process.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) has also said it will not support the motion. The party argues that the case against Didiza does not meet the required threshold for a no-confidence motion.
Parliament to vote on Wednesday
The National Assembly will debate and vote on the motion on Wednesday afternoon.
The sitting will take place virtually. The EFF has criticised the decision to hold the sitting online. The party says a motion of this importance should be debated in a physical sitting.
At the centre of the dispute is a constitutional question: Did Speaker Thoko Didiza do enough to protect Parliament’s role in the impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa?
The EFF says she did not. Other parties disagree and believe the matter does not justify removing her as Speaker.
