Speaker, since taking office in 2009, President Zuma has given strong direction on some issues, but on others our President has lacked the political will to lead. He has spoken from both sides of his mouth and led with ambiguity, if not indifference.
This has created a deeper problem for South Africa, for the President has set the example for his administration. Coupled with the absence of accountability, it has opened the door to corruption and a breakdown in government. Under the President's watch, South Africa has begun to experience excessive delays in service delivery, threats to foreign direct investment, escalating criminality, and the burgeoning of government. We are faced with social, political, and economic instability.
In response, the President has preferred rhetoric over action, and government follows the lead by talking more and delivering less. The Expanded Public Works Programme is a prime example. There are constant reports of people being forced to join the ANC before being considered for work opportunities, yet no investigation is done. [Interjections.] Such blatant corruption is antithetical to democracy.
However, democracy cannot thrive under this administration. That has been proven by Nkandla, by our President denying any measure of responsibility for the gross misuse of public funds spent on his home, despite his own Cabinet being in charge of the whole process. There is no place for ambiguity or indifference over Nkandla. The Public Protector made it clear that the President unduly benefited and must pay back a reasonable portion of the cost to the state. Instead of acknowledging this, the President's Cabinet and the President's party have sought to discredit both the report and the Public Protector.
We have had Nkandla, and the President remains. We have had Marikana, and the President remains. We have had armed security forces entering this House on the order of the national chairperson of the ruling party, using her authority as the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the President not only remains, but he laughs.
The IFP respects the Office of the President. It is painful to see it being challenged but painful, too, to see it being comprised. For now, as the IFP, we cannot support this motion. Though our country is paying the price, we are on the wrong trajectory, and a bold, difficult and selfless act is needed to break from this path and set us on a path of healing. I thank you. [Applause.]