SONA was the state against the nation: Maimane
DA leader Mmusi Maimane had strong words for President Jacob Zuma during the State of the Nation (SONA) debate in Parliament.
"This wasn't the State of the Nation. It was the state against the nation," says Maimane.
Maimane was referring to the increased security around the Parliamentary precinct last week.
"Streets were closed off and barricaded for miles around this precinct. There were riot police and razor wire on every corner. There were snipers on the rooftops. There were soldiers with automatic rifles pacing up and down Parliament Avenue," says Maimane.
The leader of the opposition also hit out at the ANC and the current administration.
"We heard how 94 of these patients tragically died of starvation, dehydration, diarrhoea, pneumonia and seizures. This ANC government, under this president, did that. From the Marikana 34 to the Esidimeni 94, this government has turned against the people of this country. This is a murderous government," says Maimane.