The Western Cape High Court has rejected an emergency application by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to freeze the suspension of six MPs, including party leader Julius Malema.
The application would have cleared the way for the six to attend next week's State of the Union Address (SONA).
EFF chief whips Floyd Shivambu, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Marshall Dlamini, Vuyani Pambo and Sinawo Tambo were suspended along with Malema.
Six MPs were found guilty of contempt of parliament following last year's attack on the SONA stage.
They were suspended without pay in February.
The latest ruling means they will miss out on SONA and the budget speech.
Parliamentary Spokesperson Moloto Motapo said: “The unrealistic timeframe imposed by the EFF and the filing in the middle of the night before the next court date not only inconvenienced Parliament and the courts, but also It showed that they were not ready to try the case.” EFF's application has been rejected with costs and the suspension of membership will take effect from Thursday 1st.cent From February to 29thth Scheduled for February 2024. ”
EFF condemns the ruling
On Monday, Parliament's legal adviser, Barrister Michael Bishop, told the court that the timing of the sanctions was designed to ensure members did not interfere with SONA, and that they wanted SONA to lead the process.
EFF's legal advisor, Barrister Simbeka Ngukaitobi, responded that it was regrettable that Parliament, as a legislative body, would use such tactics.
Mr Ngukaitobi argued that the legal defense was politically motivated.
The EFF said it condemned the ruling, saying it stifled President Cyril Ramaphosa's accountability.
EFF spokesperson Shinawo Tamo said: “The suspension of the EFF's parliamentary membership is simply to ensure that he is not held accountable for his failures. This is his last State of the Union address. , they want him to have a peaceful State of the Union address, because they think if they suspend the EFF president, who is the commander in chief, then they will have a peaceful State of the Union address. That would be impossible, the Economic Freedom Fighters MPs would be part of SONA.”
The EFF said its members who were not suspended would continue to hold Mr Ramaphosa accountable during the SONA period.