Watch: SONA resumes after EFF’s disruption

The National Assembly Sitting has resumed proceeding after a brief suspension due to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) disruption.

In an unprecedented move, National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise temporarily suspended the sitting.

Party members are demanding that former State President Frederick de Klerk should not be allowed to attend the SONA for recently saying that apartheid was not a crime against humanity.

They also want President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan for allegedly misleading him on the state of affairs at Eskom.

In the past, the EFF disrupted former President Jacob Zuma’s SONA addresses, calling for him to resign and pay back the money that went towards renovations of his residence in Nkandla.

The EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi promised to settle down as soon as Gordhan was fired.

Eventually, Speaker of Parliament, Modise called for the suspension House as the Chief Whips of political parties meet to discuss how Parliament should proceed. Shivambu had earlier called for the suspension of the House, but the call was suspended.

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Political parties react 

Earlier, State Security Deputy Minister Zizi Kodwa says President Cyril Ramaphosa is disappointed by the EFF members’ disruptions to his State-of-the-Nation Address. Kodwa addressed journalists on the steps of the National Assembly.

“The President is waiting to eagerly address the nation on key fundamental issues that are facing the nation question why was the proceedings suspended previously it wasn’t suspended previously they were removed so this surely could be a pr victory for the EFF I don’t think its a victory for anybody except that it was important that for parliament to proceed smoothly. Presiding officers would have decided in every decision that they suspend the session.”

The DA’s Solly Malatsi says all parties must abide by the rules of the House.

IN: “It’s quite clear what the EFF’s plan was in the lead up to this occasion. It has had no interest in what was gonna happen today. As the Speaker accurately pointed out former Presidents or Deputy Presidents of the country are dignitaries of Parliament. I can’t speak on behalf of Parliament, but everyone in that chamber is a guest who has been invited and they should enjoy the same rights.”