The State of the Nation Address (Sona), scheduled to officially begin at 7pm commenced as scheduled but accompanied with lots of drama.
While most Members of Parliament treated the State of the Nation address as a formal affair, EFF made a grand entrance into the House singing and clapping, dressed in red overalls.
President Jacob Zuma was due to start his address at the opening of Parliamentat few minutes past 7pm but EFF leader Julius Malema stood up.
He was supporting the EFF’s Floyd Shivambu, who started saying he was seeking clarity on the rules of the House, to which Speaker Baleka Mbete replied that she would “not like to give attention” to the matter now.
Shivambu said he wanted assurance he would be allowed to speak before Zuma took to the podium.
Mbete attempted to continue with proceedings, but then she exchanged words with Malema, who told her he wanted to deal with questions to the president before the opening ceremony starts.
“I don’t want to stand up while the president is there,” said Malema.
Mbete said: “On this occasion, no business other than the address by the president is [being] entertained.”
Rumblings went through the Parliament, ending in a screaming match between Malema and Mbete.
“Allow us to speak,” Malema shouted.
“We must be governed by rules here not emotions.”