Ramaphosa during Parliament question time: ‘Honourable deputy speaker, I feel abused’

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s scheduled question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Tuesday was derailed following a heated disruption by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MPs. The chaos unfolded when personal protectors were seen seated within the chamber, raising alarms among opposition members and halting proceedings for over 30 minutes.

The presence of personal protectors—individuals assigned to protect high-ranking officials—in the public seating area of the National Assembly raised immediate concern, particularly among EFF members. They demanded clarity on why armed individuals were allowed in a section not visibly designated for security or public use. This dispute spiraled into a standoff that ultimately prevented President Ramaphosa from answering several key questions during his limited time in Parliament.

The EFF, known for its confrontational stance in the legislature, lodged multiple points of order objecting to what they described as the “militarisation” of the chamber. The party insisted that the visible security presence near African National Congress (ANC) MPs compromised the democratic integrity of the proceedings and created an environment of intimidation.

President Ramaphosa’s Patience Tested Amid Disruption

Initially composed, President Ramaphosa remained calm as tensions rose. However, the continued heckling and delays appeared to test his patience.

“I feel abused. I honestly feel abused,” Ramaphosa said, visibly frustrated as he attempted to address the nation’s pressing matters amid the disruption.

EFF MP Sinawo Tambo responded sharply: “You didn’t feel like that when Trump was abusing you in the White House. Why didn’t you feel abused in the White House? You are feeling abused by your own people.”

This remark, referencing a past meeting between Ramaphosa and former U.S. President Donald Trump, added fuel to the already volatile atmosphere. The chamber quickly descended into further disorder.

Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet, presiding over the session, repeatedly ordered EFF MPs to leave the chamber due to what she deemed “serious contempt.” She directed the sergeant-at-arms to escort non-compliant members out and muted others who joined virtually. This action followed sustained defiance by EFF parliamentarians toward the speaker’s authority.

“Honourable Mente, please leave the chamber. Sergeant-at-arms, please assist Honourable Mente. You are now in serious contempt. Honourable Khawula, please leave the chamber,” Lotriet declared during the session.

Lotriet later confirmed that the issue would be referred to Parliament’s Powers and Privileges Committee. She described the events as a “serious legal infringement” that interfered with the work of the National Assembly and undermined the democratic process.

The disruption had significant consequences for President Ramaphosa’s agenda. With the EFF interruptions consuming nearly half the scheduled session, several planned responses were left unanswered. Notably, Ramaphosa was unable to provide supplementary responses on:

• South Africa’s diplomatic stance and efforts to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

• The inquiry into unresolved cases from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a concern raised by the MK Party.

This is not the first time logistical constraints have impacted the parliamentary process. The lack of a venue large enough to accommodate all MPs during plenary sittings continues to be a structural weakness. In this instance, it also contributed to heightened tensions, as opposition parties questioned why personal security personnel were seated in close proximity to ANC lawmakers in an undemarcated space.

Ramaphosa’s Response to National Issues Deferred

Despite the disruption, Ramaphosa had earlier managed to address some issues, including the government’s response to the high cost of living and the contentious topic of racial classification. He reiterated his commitment to eventually ending the racial classification system but emphasized its temporary necessity to address the historical injustices of apartheid.

These remarks, however, were overshadowed by the conflict that ensued. The president’s planned engagement on further national and international policy matters was curtailed, dealing a blow to transparency and public engagement efforts.

The disruption of President Ramaphosa’s question time by the EFF underscores ongoing tensions within South Africa’s Parliament. It also raises broader concerns about security protocol, democratic conduct, and the ability of elected representatives to fulfill their constitutional roles in an orderly environment.

As Parliament’s Powers and Privileges Committee prepares to investigate, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the legislature—and the growing difficulty of maintaining decorum during politically charged sessions involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Source- EWN