The National Assembly is set to vote on a motion of no confidence in Speaker Thoko Didiza next Wednesday.
The motion was tabled by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema in June and centres on Didiza’s decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent interdict application in the Western Cape High Court.
The application sought to halt Parliament’s impeachment process relating to the Phala Phala matter. The court has since granted the interdict.
The issue of how the motion will be conducted was raised during a meeting of the National Assembly Programming Committee, with EFF MPs objecting to plans for the vote to take place during a virtual sitting.
EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi argued that MPs should be physically present for the proceedings, saying a virtual sitting would not carry the same significance.
The EFF asked Parliament to reconsider the decision and hold the sitting in person for the day of the motion.
However, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli said Parliament had already decided that House sittings would be conducted fully virtually to allow MPs to participate in their political parties’ election programmes while continuing with parliamentary duties.
Ntuli said the virtual format would not diminish the importance of the motion.
He argued that the National Assembly would still debate the EFF’s motion and consider its request for Didiza’s removal, despite the proceedings taking place online.
The motion is expected to be debated and put to a vote next Wednesday.