No SONA 2024 for Malema and 5 other EFF MPs

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EFF leader Julius Malema and 5 other EFF MPs are set to miss the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the current government following suspension imposed on them by the Powers and Privileges Committee in Parliament.

The party was slapped with a one month suspension and salary for the month of February 2024 for the disruption during SONA by President Matamela Ramaphosa in 2023. The party MPs stormed on stage in protest while holding placards approaching President Ramaphosa.

Their act saw the President’s security personnel also storming on stage to them as they were approaching him.

Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngcakula temporarily suspended the sitting at the time saying a danger was posed on the President and she had to act.

The EFF took the matter to court saying their suspension was unfair and would prevent them from holding the President accountable.

Western Cape High Court dismissed the application to suspend the parliamentary decision to sanction six of its members.

The party had requested the court’s leniency in accepting the late filing of their replies to the affidavit for the National Assembly and their heads of arguments in the matter.

With Julius Malema, deputy Floyd Shivambu, secretary general Marshall Dlamini, national spokesman Sinawo Thambo, member of parliament Vuyani Pambo, and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s suspension, the party said that will not stop them from holding the President accountable and their mandate will be carried by their other MPs.

“The timing of this suspension, specifically choosing February 2024 to exclude our members from the upcoming Sona, is particularly nefarious. It appears to be a calculated attempt to ensure that Ramaphosa can deliver his final Sona without facing scrutiny from the EFF.”