Julius Malema’s EFF, Parliament security throw punches at #SONA2017

We knew President Jacob Zuma wouldn’t have it easy tonight delivering his State of the Nation Address, but we weren’t expecting the scuffles between the EFF and parliamentary security.

While the President only began his speech around 8pm SAST, the hour prior was marred by violence, chants of strong language and silent walkouts.

The DA left the house peacefully, but the EFF did anything but. The party, led by Julius Malema, were determined to delay the Address, and were eventually requested to leave the house by the National Council of Provinces’ chair Thandi Modise, and Speaker of the House Baleka Mbete.

However, they weren’t intent on that idea.

The EFF was involved in a scuffle in the National Assembly following multiple disruptions to #SONA2017

A scuffle then broke out between the party members and the House’s security forces, during which EFF members flung hard hats and water bottles, and parliamentary security their fists. It was quite obscene.

Parliament’s camera system caught the entire event on tape, and the SABC soon uploaded the clip to YouTube.

Earlier in the evening, the EFF also greeted President Zuma with chants of “tsotsi”, while other members of Parliament also labeled Zuma as a “scoundrel” and “delinquent”.

Thank you South Africa, we are all well. We live another day to continue fighting in defense of the constitution. #Asijiki

— EFF Official Account (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 9, 2017

Tweeting after the event, the EFF explained that its members “are all well.”

“We live another day to continue fighting in defense of the constitution,” the party added.

While Zuma’s State of the Nation Address is currently ongoing at the time of writing, you can have a look at the scuffle below. Catch the livestream of the SONA at the foot of the page.

Parliamentary livestream: