EFF MPs will not be part of SONA

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has declared that none of its Members of Parliament will be in attendance at the State of the Nation Address (SONA) this evening.

This decision comes in the wake of a ruling by the Western Cape High Court earlier today, which dismissed an application by six of the party’s MPs, including leader Julius Malema, to have their suspension interdicted.

In a statement released by the party, they referred to the SONA as an extended caucus of the ANC, asserting that it is undemocratic and unconstitutional.

The party says partial participation in this evening’s SONA would imply that some of its members agree with what it says is “unlawful, undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions” of Parliament to forbid and banish elected MPs.

The party says it will appeal the court ruling, to ensure there’s no legal precedent that permits Parliament to forbid elected MPs from holding the executive accountable.

FILE: Advocate Romeo Nthambeleni weighs in on the EFF case: