Western Cape High Court Dismisses EFF’s Urgent Application To Attend SONA

The Western Cape High Court has rejected the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s urgent plea to allow Julius Malema and five other MPs to attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening.

The court’s decision follows oral arguments presented by the EFF and Parliament’s legal representatives on Tuesday. The EFF contended that their right to peaceful protest during last year’s SONA had been violated, and that the subsequent sanctions imposed by the powers and privileges committee and the National Assembly were unlawful.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Malema Urges Vodacom To Settle ‘Please Call Me’ Dispute “Stop This Nonsense”

This latest dismissal of the EFF’s urgent application marks their third consecutive defeat in court within a week. The party had previously challenged the constitutionality of the National Assembly’s decision to adopt a report recommending suspensions, claiming that it granted excessive power to the majority party.

However, Judge Kate Savage emphasised that the EFF should have reconsidered their position after the matter was initially struck off the roll last week. Instead, the party chose to “recklessly” re-enroll the case, making only minor modifications.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: President Cyril Ramaphosa To Announce Election Date Within 15 Days

The court further criticised the EFF for their failure to adhere to certain timeframes, deeming it an “abuse of process.” Similar to their previous urgent application to block the implementation of new joint rules, the court imposed a cost order against the EFF.

With the court’s ruling, the EFF’s leaders will not be permitted to attend Thursday evening’s SONA. This decision underscores the importance of following proper legal procedures and respecting court rulings in matters of parliamentary conduct.