The EFF has labelled the Western Cape High Court ruling to strike off their application to suspend disciplinary sanctions against six of their Members of Parliament as intimidation. Their leader Julius Malema, deputy president Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general Marshall Dlamini and spokesperson Sinawo Tambo, Vuyani Pambo and Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi were held in contempt of Parliament for their protest at last year's State of The Nation Address (Sona).

NO GAMES PLAYED

EFF says their protest was a result of serious allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala farmgate. During last year's SONA, members of EFF stormed on to the stage and charged towards the President at the Cape Town City Hall. "The EFF remains deeply concerned about the lack of adequate investigation and subsequent accountability regarding this discovery that was coupled with numerous illegal activities in attempt to recover what was stolen illicit currency. The Reserve Bank, SARS and even the Public Protector's office gave credence to the levels of criminality by the president." They said that this decision was evidence that the ANC led government is resorting to vindictive measures to silence opposition voices and evade accountability for their failures. "Despite these unjust actions we want to assure the public that all EFF Members of Parliament who will attend the SONA will continue to hold Ramaphosa accountable for his failures. These include the rampant unemployment statistics, rising crime rates, Gender-Based Violence and the Phala Phala scandal, which was the primary reason for our initial protest."

TOO LATE

During his ruling the judge presiding over the matter Nathan Erasmus blamed the late filing of papers by the party, saying it was their own doing. "The application is struck from the roll. The applicants shall pay the first, second, third and sixth respondents' costs of the application," Erasmus said.

In a statement, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said they concur with the majority judgment that Parliament welcomed the ruling and said that the responsibility lies with the application, which is the EFF, to ensure that they adhere to court rules and have a well-prepared case. The EFF imposed unreasonable timeframe and their filing at midnight before the next court day not only inconvenienced Parliament and the court, but it also indicated their lack of readiness for their application to be heard," Mothapo said. The EFF's application was dismissed with costs and the suspension of the six EFF members start tomorrow until 29 February.