EFF to boycott 2024 Sona over leadership ban from Parliament

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will boycott the State of the Nation Address (Sona) to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, following the judgment of the High Court to ban its six Members of Parliament.

The EFF said there was no value in attending the Sona when six of its senior members have been banned from taking part in the event.

ALSO READ: EFF members to miss Sona after failed court bid to lift suspension

FOCUS ON MANIFESTO LAUNCH IN DURBAN

“Partial participation in the 2024 Sona activities and programme would imply that some of our Members of Parliament agree with the unlawful, undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions of Parliament to forbid and banish elected Members of Parliament. We will, therefore, not attend or participate in the ANC’s extended parliamentary caucus,” said the EFF.

It said it will focus on its manifesto launch in Durban on Saturday. Malema has been campaigning in the city during the week ahead of the manifesto launch.

ALSO READ: ‘Zuma never banned us from going to parliament’: Malema

HIGH COURT APPLICATION REJECTION

According to the Independent Online, the Western Cape High Court rejected an application by the EFF to lift the suspension of party leader Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general Marshall Dlamini and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

The EFF’s former spokesperson, Vuyani Pambo, and current spokesperson Sinawo Tambo have also been banned from Parliament for a month.

ALSO READ: EFF slams ANC for ‘vindictive measures’ barring leaders from Sona

BANNED FOR DISRUPTING RAMAPHOSA DURING LAST SONA

This was after the Powers and Privileges Committee last December slapped them with a one-month ban for disrupting Ramaphosa during the Sona last February.

The ban of the six members of the EFF came into effect at the beginning of February and will end at the end of the month.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY GCINA NTSALUBA