Parliament - Voting in favour of President Jacob Zuma's removal would have disastrous consequences for South Africa, African National Congress (ANC) chief whip Jackson Mthembu said on Friday.
"Voting in favour of this motion will be tantamount to throwing a nuclear bomb at our country," Mthembu said while briefing journalists in Parliament about the August 8 motion of no confidence in the president.
"The removal of the president will have disastrous consequences that can only have a negative impact on the people of the country."
In terms of the Constitution, if the vote passes, Zuma and his entire cabinet would have to resign.
This, Mthembu said, would lead to a collapse in government and plunge the country into crisis.
"It will result in the entire cabinet having to resign which will lead to a collapse in government with long lasting ramifications," he said.
"It will plunge our country into complete political instability and economic uncertainty."
Mthembu said a vote of no confidence against Zuma would not pass, irrespective of whether there was a secret ballot or not.
While several ANC MPs have expressed concern around Zuma's leadership, they would be expected to fall in line, Mthembu indicated.
"We will not be party to actions that will bring our country to a brink of collapse," he said.
Mthembu insisted voting against the motion should not be seen as the party shielding Zuma.
"Our decision to vote against this motion must therefore not be seen as defending or protecting any individual."
National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete has yet to announce whether the vote would be done via secret ballot.