New parliamentary rules bar anyone from interrupting president during SONA
Parliament will introduce new rules during this year’s State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Tuesday said the new rules are designed to regulate proceedings during joint sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
Disruptions and violence have marked the annual State of the Nation Address since 2015, with the EFF storming the stage during the proceedings in 2023.
In December, Parliament suspended EFF leader Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu, and four other MPs for a month for disrupting last year’s event.
Unless a last-minute appeal in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday is successful, the suspension would see them miss this year’s SONA.
Mapisa-Nqakula told a media briefing on Tuesday that the new rules would bar anyone from disrupting the president during the sitting.
"In terms of the new rules, no member is allowed to interrupt the president while delivering the State of the Nation Address. Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the president's speech at the opening of parliament, which is the first thing of the two houses following elections.
"Additionally, these rules stipulate that no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than a specific business for which the joint sitting is convened.
"These measures are critical in ensuring that these important national events are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner reflecting the dignity of parliament and the importance of these addresses in setting the nation's legislative and developmental agenda.”
Mapisa-Nqakula said Thursday’s State of Nation Address by President Cyril Ramphosa is significant as it is the final one before this year’s general elections.
"As we prepare for this SONA, we are also engaged in extensive preparations for both the opening of the 7th parliament and for welcoming the new generation of members of parliament," she said.
"We will ensure that this SONA will not only reflect the importance of the occasion but will showcase the efficiency, capability, resilience and maturity of parliament.”
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