The State of the Province Address (SOPA) by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane was marred by violence as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) caused a significant disturbance moments before the Premier was set to deliver his speech.
WATCH: EFF disrupt Oscar Mabuyane’s SOPA
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The disruption began when EFF members, donned in their signature red berets, were observed throwing fists, chairs, and water bottles, leading to a chaotic scene at the provincial legislature.
Security personnel swiftly intervened, leading to a clash with the EFF members, which ultimately resulted in the red berets being expelled from the venue.
EFF leadership reacts to being kicked out of Eastern Cape SOPA
Following their expulsion, the EFF’s Eastern Cape caucus took to social media to voice their grievances, stating that their attempts to raise a point of order were blatantly ignored by the speaker, prompting the call for security.
The party held an impromptu press briefing outside the legislature, where EFF provincial leader Zilindile Vena expressed that the party had no intentions of apologising for the disruption, citing feelings of suppression and suffocation by the assembly’s handling of their grievances.
Why EFF were banned from SONA 2024
The exclusion of the EFF from the Eastern Cape SOPA follows a pattern of confrontational politics associated with the party.
The ban stems from previous incidents, including disruptions at legislative events, that have led to heightened tensions between the EFF and other parliamentary bodies.
Efforts by the EFF to challenge the ban from the State of the Nation Address (SONA 2024), citing it as unconstitutional and a violation of their right to peaceful protest, were met with criticism from the court.
Judge Kate Savage highlighted the party’s repeated, albeit slightly altered, legal appeals as a flawed approach, suggesting a fundamental disconnect between the party’s actions and the principles of peaceful protest and engagement within democratic institutions.
Despite the chaotic start and the subsequent expulsion of the EFF members, Premier Oscar Mabuyane proceeded with his SOPA, addressing both the accomplishments and challenges faced by the Eastern Cape.
Among the noted achievements were improvements in access to post-natal care and housing developments, though concerns about maternal mortality in the OR Tambo district persist.