WATCH: Parliamentary security removes ‘desperate’ DA’s banner

The Democratic Alliance was left disappointed today after its banner criticising the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa was taken down by parliamentary security ahead of the president’s state of the nation address.

The banner, saying “Same State of No Action. Same WhatsApp Group” was hung from a window of one of the buildings, but not for long, as it was almost immediately taken down.

DA MP Solly Malatsi said the security action was infringing on the party’s right to express its views on the “state of no action”.

“Removing the banner is simply pure censorship. The president is incapable of taking action as he works for the ANC and not for the people of South Africa.

“He is directed by Luthuli House and he is in the same WhatsApp group as Jacob Zuma,” claimed Malatsi.

The DA was criticised by, among others, ANC head of elections Fikile Mbalula, who called it “desperate”.

He said: “They must ignore your attention seeking methods. Honestly, you are desperate.”

Social media users accused the DA of losing the plot and resorting to “desperate” measures in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“This what Gwen Ngwenya was talking about in her resignation letter. Resources are focused in creating banners for negative campaigns, instead of your own alternative policies. It’s clear you have nothing to offer South Africans,” said one Twitter user, while another claimed the banner was only removed after the party refused to take it down.

They said: “Security was right by removing it. You were asked to do it yourselves and refused. Where have you seen a parliament with such banners hanging on its walls? You have proper channels to follow.”

Others “reminded” the party where Luthuli House was if they wanted a “proper” place to demonstrate frustration towards the ruling party.

(Compiled by Vhahangwele Nemakonde)

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