Five Members of Parliament (MPs) of the African National Congress (ANC) defected against the party by supporting the adoption of the Phala Phala report.
In an open vote at the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma shocked the other MPs by being the first to break ranks.
“As a disciplined member of the ANC, I vote, yes,” she said.
The Section 89 panel report, which stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have infringed the Constitution and anti-corruption laws, was the subject of a heated debate in the parliament.
To begin an impeachment procedure against the president, opposition parties need support from a majority of the ANC members.
Lindiwe Sisulu left the meeting while Mervyn Dirks, Mosebenzi Zwane, and Supra Mahumapelo voted in favour of the report.
The final vote tally was:
Yes – 148
No – 214
Abstain – 2
After Thandi Mahambehlala of the ANC switched her vote from yes to no, there was debate regarding the rules.
She claimed she voted “yes” to support the party line because she misunderstood and did so.
Meanwhile, South Africans have taken to social media to praise the courageous Dlamini-Zuma. Check out the reaction below:
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
Mama Winnie is saluting you in her Grave 🔥🔥🔥🔥💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃🙏🙏🙏✊✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/sUqpAFk54o
— Ngu Mnqundu Wabelungu (@Yizinjabelungu) December 13, 2022
JUST IN
[LISTEN]
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has voted ‘YES’ in favor of the #PhalaPhalareport #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/fRJTi9ifc1
— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) December 13, 2022
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma symbolises a principled, fearless leader
She has set aside her own political interests in pursuit of what is right & in interest of South Africa
This is a precious & rare thing to find in the current day ANC
Much respect 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/4o8duW8baE
— Kim Heller (@kimheller3) December 13, 2022
History must be kind to Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma pic.twitter.com/v1LLOXbgs0
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) December 13, 2022
The moment.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma votes on her conscience for an impeachment committee. pic.twitter.com/2LBTXIiBmJ
— Africa Research Centre📚📁 (@MightiJamie) December 13, 2022
#PhalaPhalareport
Two loud mouths chickened out but Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stood her ground. Proof enough that she is not in it for her stomach but to serve and uphold the constitution she fought for. Amandla Mbokodo ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/Bg2xqzokVQ— FIGHTER LADY M³💜 (@MapulaMokgosang) December 13, 2022
Yho!!! Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma✊🏾
National Assembly
— #PleaseCallMe Movement (@NelsonQ_Tau) December 13, 2022
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma symbolises a principled, fearless leader
She has set aside her own political interests in pursuit of what is right & in interest of South Africa
This is a precious & rare thing to find in the current day ANC
Much respect 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/4o8duW8baE
— Kim Heller (@kimheller3) December 13, 2022
Appreciation Tweet for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, what she did today deserve every praise ❤️💪🏾🙏🏽#PhalaPhalareport pic.twitter.com/sRHPLN0z4Z
— Truthteller (@Truthte83602973) December 13, 2022