Security personnel remove Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP out of Parliament during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 09, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. There was chaos, violence and insults as EFF members fought back as they were forcefully ejected from the chamber after holding up proceedings for nearly an hour, accusing Zuma of being a 'constitutional delinquent'. (Photo by Gallo Images / The Times / Esa Alexander)
As the 2018 State of the Nation address approaches, let’s not forget that Sona 2017 was filled with countless controversial and unforgettable moments.
If last year is anything to go by, this year’s address looks set to be more chaotic, tense and perhaps even a little entertaining.
Here are 10 moments from Sona 2017 that left quite an impression.
1. EFF leader Julius Malema’s scathing attack on National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete.
You are scared of Zuma. He used you, he dumped you! He promised you that you were going to be president, and you went home and slaughtered a cow. He dumped you.
2. When EFF chief whip Flloyd Shivambu and Malema claimed that 21 police officers, disguised as parliamentary security personnel, were armed with cable ties and “biological weapons” to attack the party.
Picture: Twitter
3. The middle finger moment, courtesy of a committed sign language interpreter.
4. When Cope leader Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota called former president Jacob Zuma a scoundrel.
In English he is called a scoundrel. In our mother tongue he is called lemenemene. Now, we cannot hold lemenemene as a role model that the youth of our country must follow and emulate.
5. The deployment of 441 members of the South African National Defence Force (Sandf) to “maintain law and order” for the opening of Parliament.
Picture: Twitter
6. EFF MPs chanting “Tsotsi!” as Zuma entered the National Assembly.
7. When EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi called Zuma a “constitutional delinquent”.
8. Zuma giggling with glee as EFF members were kicked out of Parliament (head to the 3:44 minute mark).
9. The general state of the nation.
10. Madam Speaker never failing to disappoint, be it her infamous phrase of “Honourable member, take your seat”, or her facial expressions.
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