Speaker Baleka Mbete on Thursday refused a call from the opposition to hear a motion for the dissolution of Parliament, saying the only business of the day would be the election of a new president to succeed Jacob Zuma.

"It is not on the order paper for today," she said as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema rose to object to the National Assembly proceeding with the nomination of Cyril Ramaphosa.

Malema threatened that if the vote went ahead, it would be challenged in court later.

"We cannot be part of an illegitimate process."

Fellow EFF MP Godrich Gardee added: "You cannot elect this man."

"I am not allowing members to abuse this sitting," the Speaker objected.

At this, the EFF MPs rose and left the chamber.

Ramaphosa was the only candidate put forward to the House to succeed Zuma after his resignation late on Wednesday.