President Jacob Zuma is delivering his state of the nation address, titled “The Year of Oliver Reginald Tambo: Unity in Action Together Moving South Africa Forward”, but it is not going as he would like.
Earlier today, police in Cape Town clashed with EFF and Cosas members who illegally gathered on the streets surrounding the parliamentary precinct.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the ANC was the only party with permission to gather in the city centre for its People’s Assembly rally.
The EFF’s actions are not unexpected. EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said earlier this week that “Zuma is going to be interrupted because we cannot legitimise people who break the Constitution”.
“So our advice is that he gives it to somebody else this Thursday if they want the nation to hear. I don’t think there is going to be an opportunity for the SONA if it’s going to be delivered by Zuma,” he said.
“No amount of security or intimidation is going to deter us. We are full members and public representatives, that’s how democracy works. We will be there, making sure we confront the thief for what he is,” said Ndlozi.
The EFF’s parliamentary members did not disappoint, disrupting proceedings as Zuma took the stage.