Hon members, before we proceed with this motion, I would like to refer to a question that was raised during the programming committee meeting this morning regarding the absence of the President in the House today. Members may recall that today the President was initially expected to respond to questions. However, owing to an international commitment, the date for questions to the President was moved, by agreement, to 24 March.
Therefore the President could not be in the House today. In any event, there is no requirement in the Constitution or the Rules for the President to be present when a motion of no confidence in him is being considered by the House. I now wish to invite the hon Dandala to address the House. [Applause.]