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Malema & 5 EFF MPs Suspended from Parliament for Disrupting SONA
In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa’s Parliament has imposed a one-month suspension without pay on opposition leader Julius Malema and five of his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party colleagues. This unprecedented move stems from their disruptive actions during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state of the nation address in February.
The Parliament’s powers and privileges committee found the six MPs guilty of contempt of parliament for storming the stage and interrupting the president’s speech.
In the wake of the incident, the speaker of Parliament halted proceedings and security personnel escorted Malema and the other EFF MPs out of the hall. The disruption caused widespread outrage and prompted calls for disciplinary action.
The committee further stipulated that each of the suspended MPs must make a personal apology in Parliament to the president, the speaker, and the South African people for their actions. This public contrition is seen as a necessary step in restoring order and respect to the institution of Parliament.
The suspension will take effect in February, effectively barring Malema and his colleagues from attending the president’s next state of the nation address.
Prior to the committee’s ruling, the EFF MPs had refused to participate in the hearings against them, citing the committee’s denial of their request for a postponement. Malema, in particular, expressed strong opposition to the appointment of advocate Anton Katz as the initiator of the hearing, declaring, “I will not be persecuted by a white man.”
South Africa Calls for Netanyahu Arrest Warrant, Israel Recalls Ambassador
Israel Tuesday summoned its ambassador to South Africa back home for urgent consultations. This unprecedented decision stems from a series of scathing remarks made by South African officials regarding Israel’s recent military operation in Gaza.
Lior Haiat, a spokesperson for Israel’s foreign ministry, declined to elaborate on the specific “latest South African statements” that triggered this diplomatic rift. However, it is widely believed that South Africa’s fervent criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza played a significant role in the decision.
On Monday, South Africa urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by mid-December 2023.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the voice behind South Africa’s unwavering stance, asserted that the ICC’s failure to act would constitute a “total failure” of global governance.
The timing of Israel’s ambassadorial recall is particularly noteworthy, as South Africa is poised to host a virtual summit of the Brics group of nations, which includes China and Russia. The Israel-Hamas war is expected to dominate the summit’s agenda, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa seeking to forge a unified response to the conflict.
In a further demonstration of South Africa’s disapproval, its parliament voted to close the Israeli embassy and suspend all diplomatic relations. The motion, supported by the governing African National Congress, called for Israel to commit to a UN-brokered ceasefire and negotiations before ties can be restored.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched in retaliation to a cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. The UN Security Council has pleaded for extended humanitarian pauses to allow aid agencies to reach the beleaguered population.
South Africa, a staunch advocate for the Palestinian cause, has condemned Israel’s actions as “collective punishment.” The country, along with several others, has submitted a referral to the ICC, seeking an investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
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