POLOKWANE – On the eighth day of the eighth month, President Jacob Zuma faced his eighth vote of no confidence in parliament.

For the first time, the vote was done via secret ballot.

Speaker Baleke Mbete announced that 198 MP’s voted against the motion and 177 MP’s for the motion.

Nine MP’s abstained their vote.

Votes are in:
177 yes
198 no

— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) August 8, 2017

The debate began on Tuesday afternoon by the Democratic Alliance’s Musi Maimane.

Maimane: We have united for the love of our country. I never imagined that one day I will stand her to fight corruption. #Noconfidencemotion

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) August 8, 2017

Maimane: We have united for the love of our country. I never imagined that one day I will stand her to fight corruption. #Noconfidencemotion

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) August 8, 2017

Maimane: Lets vote for the hope today. The hope to give our children a better future they deserve. I thank you!

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) August 8, 2017

Following Maimane was the head of the EFF, Julius Malema.

#Malema: We are not here to remove a democratically elected President #NoConfidenceVote

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) August 8, 2017

Malema: If the President has respected his Oath of office we would not be here

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) August 8, 2017

After the debate, parliament was dismissed so that the voting booths could be brought into the chamber.

MP's will be called in alphabetical order to vote #zumavote

— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) August 8, 2017

Ballot boxes will be sealed in front of MP's and will be taken to a separate room to be counted. #zumavote

— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) August 8, 2017

After voting, the votes were counted in a separate chamber. A bell was then rung and speaker Baleke Mbete announced the results.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane says despite losing, they will continue in their quest for the president to resign.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za