Parliament welcomes WC High Court's decision on suspended EFF MPs

CAPE TOWN - Parliament has welcomed the decision of the Western Cape High Court to dismiss the application of the six Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members of Parliament (MPs) who wanted the suspensions lifted.

The month-long suspensions of EFF leader Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu and four others were sanctioned by Parliament last year and came into effect at the beginning of February.

But the EFF plans to appeal the judgement that they label as “backwards” and “undemocratic”.

Reacting to the high court’s judgment, Parliament said it concurred with the court ruling on how such an application goes against the separation of powers.

Parliament said the court was correct in paying due respect to its competence to regulate its processes and affairs.

This includes the disciplining of its members.

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the EFF failed to convince the court.

"They did argue in court that the suspension infringed on their constitutional right to participate on SONA and that argument was dismissed by the court as without merit."

Mothapo said the EFF’s caucus is still welcome to attend because only six MPs have been placed on suspension.