The EFFs second-in-command Floyd Shivambu has denied ever receiving R10-million. (David Harrison/M&G)
South Africans have been yearning for peace and quiet during the State of the Nation Address and that’s exactly what the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will give to newly elected president Cyril Ramaphosa, party leader Julius Malema said.
The EFF yesterday boycotted Ramaphosa’s election, after calling for Parliament to be dissolved because the Constitutional Court had found that the members did not discharge their duties.
“Our people are longing for the day when the state of the nation is delivered in peaceful environment. We are giving Cyril that chance. And then, he must do the right thing.
I don’t want a situation where he says ‘no you never gave me a chance, you just started from the onset.’” Malema said.
The “right thing” is the EFF’s call on Ramaphosa to fire Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba.
“We are giving him one chance. In the state of the nation address, one of the things he has to announce is the removal of the minister of finance. Please. The purse must come to a safer place. It cannot be guaranteed by that guy whose citizenship is questionable. His loyalty is not here,” Malema said.
At Parliament, security has been ramped up and surrounding roads blocked off for dignitaries, while MPs arrive throughout the day.
A ceremonial parade by the marine band and South African National Defense Force is also expected later in the day, after the arrival of special guests.