By: Natasha Archary
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are not deterred by the violence that erupted at the State Of the Nation Address (SONA) 2023, and will not stop, nor surrender until Ramaphosa steps down as President.
On Thursday, 09 February, during the President’s address, members of the police, Presidential Protection Unit and individuals dressed in military uniforms assaulted members of Parliament.
The EFF say the mob of “law enforcement” officers entered the Assembly chambers without the instruction of the Speaker of the National Assembly and began assaulting Members of Parliament.
In a statement the EFF said, “The violence was inflicted on MPs in order to prevent a peaceful protest and the display of placards that raised concerns on the actual state of the nation. This was after the Speaker undemocratically and unconstitutionally denied members the right to raise points of order.
The scenes in Parliament today are reflective of the kind of Presidency Ramaphosa leads. It is one of the suppression of democratic debate, abuse of state organs and law enforcement agencies to undermine accountability and unrepentant violence.”
EFF Statement On The Violence In Parliament And The Parliamentary Precinct During The State Of The Nation Address pic.twitter.com/eFLW5p5raJ
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 9, 2023
Speaking to media after being escorted out of chambers, EFF Commander-In-Chief (CIC) Julius Malema said Ramaphosa is a dictator.
“Where have you ever seen the media being prevented from speaking to members of Parliament? Only under dictatorship to South Africans being denied an opportunity to see what’s happening.”
The red berets remain determined to hold Ramaphosa and his executive accountable and will hold a press conference on Friday, 10 February following the President’s address.
♦️Must Watch♦️
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 9, 2023
CIC @Julius_S_Malema engaging with members of the media outside Parliament
Where have you ever seen the media being prevented from speaking to members of Parliament? Only under dictatorship to South Africans being denied an opportunity to see what’s happening pic.twitter.com/8qaBurdjSC
Also read: Live blog: SONA 2023 red carpet



