EFF MPs Face Disciplinary Action After Chaotic Parliament Session with Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa

A heated debate in Parliament has led to disciplinary action against several Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members of Parliament (MPs) after a chaotic session with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet has referred the conduct of the EFF MPs to Speaker Thoko Didiza for a decision on whether they should face a disciplinary hearing.

The controversy began when EFF MPs questioned Ramaphosa's security detail, specifically the presence of bodyguards in the Chamber. EFF MP Sinawo Thambo asked why Ramaphosa wasn't addressing them virtually if he felt unsafe, while another EFF MP, Omphile Maotwe, was booted out for speaking beyond her allotted time. The situation escalated when Julius Malema got into an argument with Lotriet over the president's right to answer questions.

Some of the EFF MPs involved in the incident include; Julius Malema, EFF leader who was booted out after arguing with Lotriet. Omphile Maotwe,EFF MP who was evicted for speaking beyond her allotted time. Nontando Noluntshungu, EFF chief whip who was removed from the virtual platform, Sihle Lonzi, EFF MP who was booted out of the Chamber and Thambo, EFF MP who questioned Ramaphosa's security detail.

Lotriet revealed that one bodyguard was assigned to Ramaphosa and another to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Despite the bodyguards leaving the Chamber, EFF MPs continued to raise the issue, leading to further disruptions. With time running out, Ramaphosa was unable to complete his responses, and Lotriet apologized, stating that outstanding replies would be published.

Lotriet will refer the EFF MPs' conduct to the Speaker and the powers and privileges committee, potentially leading to disciplinary hearings. This incident comes after Malema's failed court bid to challenge a report by Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests, ordering him to apologize to Judge Keoagile Matojane.