Six EFF MP’s to miss Sona after high court failed to lift suspension
The six EFF members are Julius Malema, Flyod Shivambu, Marshall Dlamini, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Vuyani Pambo and Sinawo Tambo.
Six Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), including leader Julius Malema and deputy leader Floyd Shivambu will not be allowed to attend the State of the Nation Address (Sona) following their one-month suspension from Parliament.
Their one-month suspension from Parliament follows the findings of the Powers and Privileges Committee that the six EFF members had disrupted President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Sona last year.
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However, after the suspension was given, the EFF went to the high court to try and overturn it, but the party filed their papers late. The court dismissed their application, and the suspension will be effective from 1 to 29 February.
“The EFF’s application was dismissed with costs. The suspension of the six EFF members are effective from 1 February to 29 February.,” said Parliament.
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SUSPENSION STARTS THURSDAY, 1 FEBRUARY
The fighters are Malema, Shivambu, Marshall Dlamini, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Vuyani Pambo, and Sinawo Tambo, which will come into effect on Thursday.
The Independent Online reported that Parliament said it welcomed the court’s ruling to strike the party’s application off the roll.
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EFF SUSPENSION: ‘A MESSAGE AGAINST ANY PLANS TO DISRUPT SONA’
“The EFF had requested the court’s leniency in accepting the late filing of their replies to the affidavit for the National Assembly and their heads of arguments in the matter,” said Parliament.
The powers and privileges committee had said in its finding that the sanction imposed against members of the EFF must ensure this sends a message against any plans to disrupt the Sona.