An induction session at the Old Assembly in Parliament on Wednesday turned into a fight between ANC and EFF MPs.
The situation was reportedly defused by an angry Speaker Thandi Modise.
In a video of the incident, a group of at least seven EFF MPs can be seen in front of the ANC's benches pushing other MPs around and waving their arms.
News24 reported that the confrontation was alleged instigated by EFF members.
DA MP Annelie Lotriet, who chaired the session to introduce new and returning MPs to the mechanics of legislating and lawmaking, said EFF MP Makoti Khawula had used the opportunity to taunt and attack the ANC.
"She repeatedly attacked the ANC and accused them of electing criminals to Parliament. This obviously led to ANC MPs becoming riled up. When one of the ANC MPs started responding to her, I asked for calm and tried to explain that the purpose of the session is to talk about lawmaking.
"Suddenly another EFF MP, Tebogo Mokwele, jumped up, took the microphone and started shouting at the ANC, ignoring the chair and started marching across to the ANC benches, followed by some EFF MPs. That's when the fight broke out," Lotriet told News24.
It’s training for new MPs. Training. But the EFF can’t help themselves. pic.twitter.com/AT7SzDYCZc
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) June 12, 2019
