By: Nhlanhla Mhlongo

The current incidents that have happened in parliament have raised many issues.

In February this year, members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were brutally kicked out of parliament during the State of Nation Address (SONA), after disrupting the president.

However, this was not the first time that there were disruptions in parliament.

Last year in August, the president was disrupted by EFF members shouting and banging tables asking him ‘when will he pay back the Nkandla money’.

Mlungisi Zondi IFP System Administrator in Durban said that the parliament of South Africa has changed compared to the years before.

According to Zondi, in the past the ruling party had much power to everything that they wanted to propose for the country, it was like there are no opposing parties in the parliament.

“Now the parliament is vibrant, and everyone is interested watching the parliament,” Zondi added.

Mduduzi Manqele the IFP Chairperson of South Central Constituency said that the EFF has shadowed the DA in parliament.

“EFF is challenging the ANC more than DA does. They are now challenging the government in parliament something which wasn’t done before,” said Manqele.

Thulile Mdlalose EFF Regional Secretary in Durban defended the behavior of MPs in parliament.

“There is nothing wrong with what is currently happening in parliament,” Mdlalose added.

African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Organization Developer in DUT Sicelo Mndebele said that the MPs must focus on the policies of the parliament and things that will
move the country forward.

“Shouting in the parliament is not helping the country going forward, “said Mndebele.