Opposition parties will try every legal avenue to remove President Jacob Zuma from office, they said on Tuesday.
Following a defeat in parliament of the motion to have Zuma removed, opposition parties including the Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, Congress of the People and the United Democratic Movement vowed that they would not give up.
The debate followed last week’s constitutional court ruling that Zuma failed to uphold the constitution when he did not comply with public protector Thuli Madonsela’s remedial action regarding the non-security upgrades to his Nkandla homestead.
Speaking on the steps of the national assembly, DA leader Mmusi Maimane said they had decided that they will not accept what was happening in parliament.
They would not allow parliament to keep breaking the rules, he said.
Opposition party leaders would work together to lobby South African to act against Zuma.
“We stand together in that regard to say we want to demand further action. The message is loud and clear. We are far from finished on this matter. We will take all action to ensure justice is served.”
He said the ANC should not use their majority to absolve a president from criminal actions.
Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota said they would not be complicit in the overthrowing of democracy.
He said they would consider whether they should approach the constitutional court to challenge executive acts.
The motion to have Zuma removed failed when 233 voted against it and 143 voted in favour.