SONA 2017: Chaos delays the start of the Address
As Jacob Zuma delivered the State of the Nation address 2017 in Parliament - chaos that erupted in the National Assembly continued outside the doors of the chambers.
It has taken over an hour for the President to begin the formal address following points of order raised by the EFF and the DA.
EFF MPs were physically escorted out of the National Assembly following ongoing interruptions of chants and points of order.
Earlier, EFF members chanted 'tsotsi' eclipsing a praise song being performed by an 11-year-old boy as the President entered the Chambers.
ALSO READ: WATCH LIVE: State of the Nation Address 2017
While members of the Democratic Alliance voluntary exited the chambers of the House after their request was denied to observe a moment of silence for the 94 psychiatric patients who died after being moved from the Life Esidimeni Hospital in Gauteng.
Zuma has nonetheless continued with his address despite the absence of the EFF, DA and Agang.
WATCH: EFF and security clash in the National Assembly as the Red Berets are forced out pic.twitter.com/a55tdXtrfy
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 9, 2017
The #EFF addresses the media outside Parliament, saying the Constitution has been violated. #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/nRTCQpKcH2
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) February 9, 2017
#EFF members forcibly escorted away from the premises of the National Assembly. #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/8hfnFtP3Av
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) February 9, 2017
#DA exits the National Assembly. #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/a0GfHkJ8Vu
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) February 9, 2017