EFF slams court ruling against bid to challenge sanctions

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said the court’s decision to dismiss the party’s application to suspend disciplinary sanctions against six members – who disrupted the State of the Nation Address (Sona) in 2023 – underscores the suppressive nature of the executive’s attempts to stifle accountability and silence those who hold

President Cyril accountable.

The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town on Tuesday upheld the sanctions meted out on EFF leader Julius Malema and five other party members after they were found guilty of contempt of parliament.

They were slapped with a sanction of suspension without pay for February.

Floyd Shivambu, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Marshall Dlamini, Vuyani

Ramaphosa

Pambo and Sinawo Tambo are among the senior members who will not be able to attend this year’s Sona, the result of their storming the stage at last year’s Sona.

EFF spokesperson Tambo said the party had noted the court’s decision to strike off the party’s application.

“The partisan and draconian decision to suspend [Julius Malema, Shivambu, Dlamini, Thambo, Pambo, and Ndlozi] for contempt of parliament, is clearly politically motivated and aims to intimidate those who seek to hold the government accountable,” he said.

“The timing of this suspension, specifically choosing February 2024 to exclude our members from the upcoming Sona, is particularly nefarious.

“This move appears to be a calculated attempt to ensure that Ramaphosa can deliver his final Sona without facing scrutiny from the EFF.”

The party said it is evident that the ANC-led government is resorting to “vindictive measures to silence opposition voices and evade accountability for their failures”.

“Despite these unjust actions, we want to assure the public that all EFF members of parliament who attend the Sona will continue to hold Ramaphosa accountable for his failures,” said Tambo.