Mpofu is ‘seeing flames’ in ConCourt, says Twitter

The case brought by United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa in the Constitutional Court to have speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete allow a secret ballot when MPs vote on the no confidence motion in President Jacob Zuma was being heard on Monday.

Holomisa’s court bid comes after the president’s Cabinet reshuffle in March, which saw then finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his then deputy Mcebisi Jonas being sacked.

The speaker has previously argued that the rules of parliament did not provide for a secret ballot, though legal experts have disputed this. Parliament has delayed setting a date on the motion pending the outcome of today’s bid.

Arguing for the UDM, advocate Dali Mpofu said rule 104 of parliament could not be read any other way than to permit a secret ballot. He said the aim of the ballot was to protect individuals and the outcomes of the election.

However, Twitter was really not impressed with Mpofu’s arguments, saying he would cost the country a one-time opportunity to have the president removed.

“Advocate Dali Mpofu digging himself a long deep abyss he seemingly will bury himself in. He is uncomfortably cornered,” said one user.

Check out some of the reactions on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Gospel_guru_SA/status/864061133719842817

Dali Mpofu shouldn't have taken a matter he feels so passionate about, heart was faster than the mind

— 🇿🇦Wonderful🇸🇩🇸🇩 (@Mlandzeni1) May 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/Retired__Judge/status/864061012135247872

Dali Mpofu is choking!

— Sebabatso T-bag (@sebabatso4u) May 15, 2017

Adv Dali Mpofu must get his juju back…..wanna see what a secret ballot can achieve given current crisis in the #ANC

He cant flop today

— Lizo Mdlikiva (@LizoMD3) May 15, 2017

In my view Adv Dali Mpofu SC failed to sustain his arguments and submissions #SecretBallot #ConCourt #ThatoDM #BestBelieve

— Thato Mashishi™ (@ThatoDM) May 15, 2017

In my view Adv Dali Mpofu SC failed to sustain his arguments and submissions #SecretBallot #ConCourt #ThatoDM #BestBelieve

Read more

Will Mpofu’s slip sink EFF?

— Thato Mashishi™ (@ThatoDM) May 15, 2017

Dali Mpofu: can I just round off Chief justice.. pic.twitter.com/HRrhU5Cveb

— ChukuduYaMotsetse (@PrinceMoetela) May 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/Ms_BSeabe/status/864060011047251968

Dali Mpofu's arguments are kak though and baseless maan #ConCourt #SECRETBALLOT

— IG: njab_soul (@njab_soul) May 15, 2017

#SecretBallot
Zuma is very strong
Dali Mpofu can't speak

— TebzaboY® (@TebzaboySA) May 15, 2017

Dali Mpofu didn't prepare for ConCourt. He thought it will be a walk in the park. Ncncncncnc! SMH

— Mmatona Ntuane (@mmatona_ntuane) May 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/asemahlep/status/864058537365864448

Dali Mpofu what a joke today….

— captain planet (@kurongetsu) May 15, 2017

Then Dali Mpofu fumbled pic.twitter.com/RMB0TeiZLf

— Ron (@RonMyst3rious) May 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/thembania1/status/864058051619323904

Dali Mpofu aka the people's lawyer came into court in "comrade mode" and not in his usual kickass lawyer mode #SecretBallot

— K E F E N T S E 🐟 (@Kefentse_GP) May 15, 2017

Mogoeng is enjoying himself lol. Can Dali Mpofu sit down now #secretballot

— Nonconformist (@NhlahlaChili) May 15, 2017

#SecretBallot. CJ Mogoeng Mogoeng face when he sense black intelligence in advocate Dali Mpofu. pic.twitter.com/ko4XlcHfpH

— Kgotso Mmetse Seroka🖐️ (@klmmetse) May 15, 2017

Dali Mpofu is eating hot potatoes #SECRETBALLOT pic.twitter.com/67xatxvQUh

— Pickle Rick (@SlindokuhleSime) May 15, 2017

Meanwhile, political parties, led by Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane, have embarked on a march from Mary Fitzgerald to the Constitutional Court.