In a recent Parliament session, Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF, claimed that he had taken charge of the country by forcing businesses to close, despite the government's assurances of protection through the deployment of soldiers and police. However, MP Steve Swart from ACDP disagreed and urged Malema to respect others.
The EFF lost a motion of no confidence against Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, with the DA abstaining and the majority members of the ANC voting against the motion. Deputy Chief Whip Doris Dlakude accused the EFF of impeding Parliamentary democracy by their conduct and engaging in political theatrics and grandstanding.
During the debate, Malema declared that the EFF had effectively shut down the country and proven its authority, regardless of the government's control claims. Swart, on the other hand, emphasized that it was not Malema's place to decide the country's fate, and that a higher power was in charge. Dlakude further criticized the EFF's behavior and lack of respect for the Constitution and Parliamentary rules, noting that the President himself was threatened when members of the EFF stormed the stage.