MEMBERS of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have struck again as they exchanged fists with security guards during the State of Province Address (Sopa) on Thursday, 22 February.
The disruption happened just as Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane was about to start with his address in East London.
Chaos was one word to describe the scenes as fists flew between the Red Berets and the security services in the house. The EFF members have since been thrown out of Sopa as it continues.
BREAKING: EFF members exchange fists with body guards while Premier Oscar Mabuyane attemps to deliver Eastern Cape State of the Province Adress (SOPA) this Thursday morning, 22 February. #SOPA #eff @dailysunsa pic.twitter.com/PnlukUJyNs
— Zandile Ethel Khumalo (@Ethel_Khumalo) February 22, 2024
This is not the first time disruptions erupted during a Sopa.
On Monday, 19 February, water bottles flew during Gauteng's Sopa between EFF Legislature members and beneficiaries of the Nasi Ispani programme.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi had just taken to the podium when EFF member Philip Makwala claimed there was “unauthorised militia and battalions” of Lesufi and the African National Congress (ANC), who were inside the building before causing disruptions.
Fred Nel of the Democratic Alliance (DA) claimed there were three armed guards inside the house and demanded they had to be removed before Lesufi could continue.
ALSO READ: Bottles fly at State of the Province Address
THE Red Berets were left to sit out at this year’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), which was held on 8 February 2024 at the Cape Town City Hall
EFF leader Julius Malema, deputy president Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general Marshall Dlamini, EFF spokesman Sinawo Thambo, and senior members of the party Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Vuyani Pambo were suspended from attending the Sona following charges of contempt of parliament after storming President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2023 Sona.
