Neelam Rahim / neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
12 February 2023 / 17:00 CAT

Image: Cape Talk

Chaos erupted at the 2023 State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening as various parties raised points of order.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was prevented from starting his address as EFF leader Julius Malema said he “has no leg to stand on… to address us” concerning the Phala Phala affair.

ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula was the first ordered to leave the House by National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and then to be removed by parliamentary protection services.

The Speaker eventually had to suspend proceedings as the EFF rushed to the stage where the President was still waiting to speak.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, political analyst Oscar van Heerden said the EFF is determined to take us back to the days of Jacob Zuma ‘about paying back the money regards Nkandla and feels very strongly that the President has a case to answer for concerning the Phala Phala saga. However, he states that due process was followed.

“The disruption, in a way, is very disrespectful, but I emphasise that it is part of democracy,” he says.

Listen to the interview with Moulana Ibrahim Daya and Oscar Van Heerden on Radio Islam’s podcast.