The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have suffered another legal setback. This comes after the Western Cape High Court rejected the party's application with costs for the suspension of six Members of Parliament (MPs), including party leader Julius Malema.
Meanwhile, security measures are in place to prevent the six suspended people from setting foot in Cape Town City Hall.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his State of the Union Address (SONA) this evening in front of both Houses of Parliament.
Malema, Floyd Shivambu, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Marshall Dlamini, Vuyani Pambo and Sinawo Tambo will be suspended until the end of this month for disrupting last year's SONA.
Mr Jomo Nyambi, the House Chairman of the National Council of States Committee, said: “If I am one of those who have been suspended for that reason, because we are all in the process of entering Parliament. , obviously my card will say when it has to go through Congress.” In the course of the investigation, I found out that I was one of those who was not expected to become a member of Congress. Therefore, it is not an issue as it will be raised and dealt with appropriately according to the rules of Parliament. ”
Sona 2024 | President Ramaphosa announces SONA:
new house rules
Meanwhile, National Council of States House Chairman Jomo Nyambi has dismissed claims by EFF leaders that the new rules of parliament are aimed at protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa.
On Tuesday, the Western Cape High Court dismissed with costs the EFF's emergency application for an interim injunction to prevent Parliament from implementing the new regulations.
Rules prohibit members of parliament from disrupting SONA and provide for their removal from the chamber if they engage in acts that seriously disrupt public order. The rules also stipulate that members are not allowed to disrupt President Ramaphosa's State of the Union address.
Nyambi insists new rules are needed. “All of them participated without exception from the beginning when the amendments to the Joint Covenant were adopted. This was presented to the NA, formally adopted by the NA and also adopted by the NCOP. We do not interpret the rule as said, because we believe that this rule is simply an attempt to confirm the manner in which it is planned with respect for the decorum of the house and the seriousness it deserves. .”
Last year, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula ordered six EFF MPs to leave for disrupting President Ramaphosa's speech.
