No action considered after EFF disrupts Sopa

No action against members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is considered by the Legislature at this stage after Premier Stan Mathabatha’s State of the Province Address (Sopa) ended in chaos on Friday when some members of the party disrupted the proceedings and were forcibly evicted from the sitting in Jack Botes Hall.
This was confirmed by spokesperson of the Legislature, Meodi Mothapo yesterday (Wednesday).
The proceedings were disrupted after an argument ensued between EFF Provincial Leader Jossey Buthane and Speaker of the Legislature, Polly Boshielo, apparently about the right of members and guests singing a struggle song and ululating following Mathabatha’s address.
Boshielo called Buthane and other EFF members to order and upon their refusal to comply, security personnel removed Buthane and EFF Legislature members George Raphela and Rendani Munyai from the sitting.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Limpopo Premier Candidate Jacques Smalle condemned the behaviour of the EFF members before the sitting was adjourned and said in a media release after the Sopa that the party was once again underwhelmed by the lack of decisive political leadership and direction by the Premier.
Smalle provided his own picture of the statistics mentioned and not mentioned by Mathabatha and said that the Sopa “painted over the real problems in Limpopo and emphasised the low hanging fruit and minimal achievements the ANC-led government has managed to achieve but steered clear of their monumental failings and empty promises.”
Congress of the People (Cope) Provincial Secretary Erick Mohlapamaswi said the action of the EFF members were unfair and that he blamed the Speaker for not acting more decisively to put an end to the disruption. He added that the Premier had failed to address a number of matters which included the reasons for many municipalities not receiving positive audit opinions from the Auditor-General and the absence of a programme to deal with underperforming municipalities.
Freedom Front Plus (FF+) Provincial Leader Marcelle Maritz said the behaviour of the EFF members was totally unacceptable. “The Premier was full of promises, but is will have to be seen whether they will realise,” she said in regard to the Sopa.
Attempts to source comment from Buthane, RSA.P’s Cornelis Roelofse and Party of Action’s Billy Nyaku at the time of going to press were unsuccessful.

Story & photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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