STATE OF THE NATION 2017
Fists fly before Zuma can get Sona under way
EFF starts by seeking protection from police, claiming they fear an assault with biological weapons
EFF MPs were dramatically ejected from Parliament on Thursday night after delaying President Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation address for an hour. Shortly after their removal guests scattered in the top corner of the house alleging that there was tear gas dispersed in the area. Zuma began his speech twice but was disturbed by EFF MPs who rose on points of order. EFF members shouted at Zuma, accusing him of being a “constitutional delinquent”. EFF leader Julius Malema said Zuma was “rotten to the core” and said he was not a legitimate president. COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota called Zuma a “scoundrel”. Zuma entered the House to chants of “Tstotsi” and “Kwezi” from the EFF benches and “ANC” from the majority party. Shortly thereafter, EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu was on his feet, asking the House for protection from the police, who he said were dressed as parliamentary security. A Constitutional Court judgment deemed police in the House as unlawful, after they entered to remove th...
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