SONA marred by violence and insults

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President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Parliament on Thursday night was marred by violence and insults.

Zuma was meant to start giving his speech at 19:00, but proceedings descended into chaos just as he was about to begin with his speech. Opposition MPs raised numerous points of order, which were ultimately dismissed by National Council of Provinces Chair, Thandi Modise.

More heckling and name calling ensued, which resulted in Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MPs being forcefully removed from the House by security. And, it did not end there: Democratic Alliance (DA) MPs staged a walkout after insults were hurled at them by other Members of Parliament.

This is what happened when DA Chief Whip, John Steenhuisen, tried to rise on a point of privilege.

EFF leader, Julius Malema addressed the media outside the National Assembly after being forcibly removed. He told journalists that Zuma's administration had declared Parliament a "war zone".
9 Feb 2017 10PM English South Africa News · Business

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