The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has recently made headlines by tabling a motion of no censure against Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and a vote of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party has cited failed leadership and economic mismanagement as the primary reasons for their actions.
According to the MK party, Finance Minister Godongwana has demonstrated “gross incompetence” and has led a “chaotic budgetary process” that has only served to deepen South Africa’s socio-economic crisis. The party criticized the minister’s February budget for failing to address the country’s record-high unemployment, rising poverty, and extreme inequality. They accused Godongwana of presenting a budget that was anti-poor, burdening the most vulnerable with fuel levy increases and the removal of essential zero-rated VAT items.
The party also highlighted the failed budget sittings, known as Budget 1.0 and Budget 2.0, which cost taxpayers R2.4 million due to differences between ANC and Democratic Alliance MPs. They criticized Godongwana for failing to table a credible fiscal framework or implement a rescue plan for the poor. Additionally, the party pointed to the auditor general’s findings of over R126 billion in fruitless and wasteful expenditure by public entities, which they claim the treasury has failed to address.
In response to these issues, the MK party is calling for a “people’s budget” that focuses on hunger, landlessness, and joblessness. They are demanding the nationalization of mineral resources, accelerated land redistribution without compensation, the expansion of the VAT zero-rated basket, and the dismantling of economic policies that they believe benefit elites and multinational corporations.
The party has also accused President Ramaphosa of abandoning the poor and capitulating to foreign right-wing interests. They criticized his decision to include “fringe” political groups in the government of national unity, which they believe has delegitimized the administration and weakened its ability to govern effectively.
Although a vote of no confidence in Ramaphosa is unlikely to succeed in the National Assembly, the motion signals growing dissent in parliament and underscores the challenges the president faces in maintaining stability within the government of national unity.
The MK party’s national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, reiterated their commitment to economic justice, accountability, and a new path forward that prioritizes the needs of the people over profits. The motions against Godongwana and Ramaphosa are expected to be debated when parliament reconvenes later this month.
In the meantime, Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen are meeting with the Trump administration in Washington to repair South Africa’s relationship with the US. Despite calls for Godongwana’s removal, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has stated that the ANC will support the finance minister, as he has not done anything wrong.
Overall, the MK party’s actions highlight the ongoing challenges facing South Africa’s government and the need for a renewed focus on economic justice and accountability.
