South African EFF Leader Malema, five MPs sanctioned over disruption of State address

Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF in South Africa, was one of six lawmakers who faced severe punishments from Parliament, including having one month’s salary withheld, nine months after they disrupted the country’s state of the nation address.

According to a communiqué issued by the parliament, the Powers and Privileges Committee found the lawmakers guilty of violating the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities Act.

The committee also ordered that they apologize to the President, the Speaker, and the people of South Africa in person in the House.

Adv Katz, the initiator, suggested two potential sanctions under S12(5) of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act: first, the committee should order the six members to apologize to Parliament, the Council, or any individual chosen by the House, such as the Speaker, the President, and the South African people.

Additionally, he suggested a ten-day suspension, which would prevent the six members from attending SONA in February of the following year.

Julius Malema, Floyd Shivambu, Sinawo Tambo, Vuyani Pambo, Marshall Dlamini, and Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi are the six MPs.

The Chairperson of the committee, Violet Siwela, announced the committee’s decision on the appropriate penalties, that each member will be suspended without remuneration for the month of February, and each member must also make an apology in person in the House to the President, the Speaker and the people of South Africa.