Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete has agreed to hold a fifth motion of no confidence in parliament against president Jacob Zuma.

Parliament will debate the motion on Tuesday, April 18, spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.

The Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and the United Democratic Movement all introduced formal applications to the speaker following the recent Cabinet reshuffle and subsequent downgrade by ratings agency Standard and Poor’s.

However despite strong opposition against the president following this past week’s events, analysts believe that Zuma still has the majority of support from within the ANC itself.

This was seemingly echoed by ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe backtracked on his opposition to president Zuma’s recent cabinet reshuffle, and endorsed the entire process on behalf of the party.

“The events that followed after the axing of finance minister Gordhan has caused concern and undue confusion,” Mantashe said.

“This was worsened by ANC officials who went public to the media, separate from the ANC, about their disagreements and to express this discomfort with the president to the media.”

Mantashe called this move by Zuma opponents – including himself – a “mistake” and said it would not happen again.

Read: Do not vote with conscience against Zuma, Mantashe warns ANC MPs