#SONA2017 sends Twitter into overdrive
As millions of South Africans sat down to watch the president deliver his speech, the Twittersphere erupted with memes and reactions to the mayhem that was happening before their eyes.
POLOKWANE – Parliamentary speaker Baleka Mbete had to call in security personnel, or ‘White Shirts’ as they are known, to remove members of the Economic Freedom Fighters after they refused to stop trying to delay the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
This year’s SONA began with a 12 year old praise singer who was to welcome President Jacob Zuma in.
The praise singer for #SONA2017 is a 12 year old boy
— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) February 9, 2017
However, his praise was drowned out by EFF members of parliament who shouted ‘tsotsi’ as Zuma entered the chamber and that resulted in a back and forth screaming match between ANC members (chanting “president”) and EFF Members.
Before Zuma could even begin his speech, EFF Deputy Floyd Shivambu raised the first point of order, reminding Mbete that no policemen were permitted to be inside the parliamentary chamber.
John Steenhuisen raised the second point of order but Mbete declined, saying they would attend to the point next week instead.
John Steenhuisen of the DA has asked for a moment of silence for the 94 Esidimeni victims #SONA2017
— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) February 9, 2017
This was the tip of the iceberg as parliament erupted in shouting and swearing between political parties.
Malema says President Zuma is "rotten to the core" #SONA2017
— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) February 9, 2017
Maimane has demanded that the business of the day carries on #SONA2017
— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) February 9, 2017
Ndlosi has called President Jacob Zuma a "constitutional delinquent" #SONA2017
— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) February 9, 2017
This resulted in both the EFF and DA leaving the chamber. Before being ejected, EFF members engaged in fistfights with security agents as they moved in.
Outside Parliament, EFF and ANC supporters clashed. Zuma resumed his speech 80 minutes after he was due to begin.
It took a total of 78 minutes before President Zuma could begin his speech.
Here are some of the twitter highlights of last night’s #SONA2017.
#ORTambo who is being honoured tonight is undoubtedly turning on his grave! What a shame! #SONA2017
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) February 9, 2017
If you are surprised by the events today you haven't been paying attention. 😊 #SONA2017
— Shaeera Akbar Kalla (@shaeera_k) February 9, 2017
When you get caught sleeping so you have to #StayWoke 😂😴 #SONA2017 via @cameran_ryan https://t.co/E9ApjuX6hP
— Brent Janse van Vuuren (@BrentJvV) February 9, 2017
Enough said………. #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/BNazsXPnAr
— Mninawa Ntloko (@ntlokom) February 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/BREEZYLINDI/status/829759074816360448
Wow, and the President couldn't care less #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/qpHPJF6wkU
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) February 9, 2017
However, while majority of the reaction was of a serious nature, there were some who tweeted more lighter reactions.
https://twitter.com/NzingaQ/status/829758050542157824
https://twitter.com/_malangkane/status/829755532764393472
I need Zuma's level of chill when life tries to get me down#SONA2017
— Kutlwano💋 (@KutlwanoM_) February 9, 2017
How are we supposed to watch the circus when Honorable Members are so Bae 😍#SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/rKoWYs8lvl
— Miss LeloB (@MsLeloB) February 9, 2017
Malema dragging Baleka saying this is why she didn't get an endorsement from the ANCWL to be president #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/UF0gK6XAaW
— Gugulethu Mhlungu (@GugsM) February 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/feizeldaniels/status/829750860796280832
And of course, Nandos had to have he last say…
#SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/LAZgVbibKl
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) February 9, 2017
What are your thoughts on last night’s #SONA2017?
