EFF challenge sanctions against its six MPs to court

Parliament has confirmed that it has been served with court papers by the Economic Freedom Fighters.

It is reported that the Economic Freedom Fighters is challenging the sanctions against six of its Members of Parliament.

The Ethics Committee found the MPs guilty of being in contempt of Parliament after they stormed the stage during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address last year.

EFF leaders Julius Malema, Floyd Shivambu, Doctor Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, and three others will be suspended for one month without pay, effective February 1.

The matter will be heard in the Western Cape High Court on Monday.

Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Parliament will oppose the EFF’s court bid.

“Parliament has been served and we are ready for Monday to present a very solid case that supports the correctness of the decisions that were taken in adopting the recommendations and report of the Powers and Privileges Committee. So, the statement that we are making is very clear; it is intended to protect Parliament from persistent disruptions and it is intended to ensure that the State of the Nation Address takes place in a climate of peace, respect and decorum of the house, but also respect for the people of South Africa who have a right because they have elected these parliamentarians, they have elected the president and they want to hold the president to account.”

 

Dione by: Alungile Njemla