Tensions have emerged between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African National Congress (ANC) in Parliament’s Joint Rules Committee over the review of the rule to maintain order during joint sittings.
A new framework was proposed following the removal of EFF MPs during the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall in February.
Six EFF MPs were ordered to leave the House by National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
However, they all decided to storm the stage, holding placards to protest in front of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This led to their removal from the chamber.
ANC Deputy Chief Whip, Doris Dlakude, supported a proposal by her party to introduce tougher sanctions against MPs who repeatedly transgress joint sitting of Parliament.
“I want to agree more with my honourable colleague here, honourable (Mina) Lesoma, that there should be consequence management. Removing people from the house is not enough, because they keep on being serial offenders in this regard. So, we need to tighten the rules so that the joint sitting is respected and also that if we hit people in their pocket, they will refrain from the disruptions in the House, so I support that deputy chairperson.”
VIDEO | Chaos as EFF wrestles with security during their expulsion at the SONA:
