S Africa's Zuma faces another no confidence vote

Johannesburg [South Africa] : Parliamentary Speaker Baleka Mbete has scheduled a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma on February 22.

Local media said that Mbete decided to hold the vote in response to a request from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), an opposition party that has often disrupted proceedings in parliament because of corruption allegations against the president.

In a letter to the EFF leader Julius Malema‚ Mbete had informed that "the determination had taken into account the programme of the National Assembly‚ including the state of the nation address‚ debate on the address‚ the president's reply to the debate and the tabling of the national budget on February 21. Ms Mbete had also consulted relevant stakeholders."

Zuma (75) is battling several corruption allegations. His position has weakened after he was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa as leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party in December.

He is likely to meet the party's six powerful members this weekend. The reason behind the meeting has not been disclosed.

Zuma has been deserted by many party members after his position was taken over by Ramaphosa, who has been lobbying to force him to resign.