JULIUS Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters stuck to their guns and wore overalls, makarabas and their trademark berets to the first sitting of the National Assembly.
On a wet and cold morning in Cape Town, the “fighters” stood outside the entrance to the National Assembly, chanting “siyaya epalamente” (we are going to parliament) while they awaited Malema’s arrival. But EFF MP Sipho Mbatha appeared to have missed his party’s attire memo, as he was clad in a black suit and white shirt. Apparently his red overall went missing at the Cape Town International Airport.
Floyd Shivambu, who will soon be announced party chief whip, said they wore the overalls to signify their struggle with the working class.
Shivambu said they would wear the same attire to President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration on Saturday and on other “significant” days in parliament.
Zuma was sworn in yesterday despite the DA’s objection.
Malema was cocooned by red-clad fellow fighters as he made his way into Poorthuis. Meanwhile new MPs from all parties made their way through the drizzle and sodden pavements to take their seats in the house.
The dress choice of the day was dominated by black and white spots and checks, as well as various coloured outfits where squares stole the design limelight.
Standing out as she walked into the house was Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, who wore a black and white chequered tailored skirt and matching jacket.
Before being sworn in as the youngest member in parliament at the age of 24, Yusuf Cassim arrived with his wife, Shaakira, who wore a burqa and long black dress.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Cassim said he doubted his age would see him at a disadvantage.
“We are all here to learn. As we go along we will never know everything and we will never know enough but I believe that as a young person I can inject some fresh energy, some fresh ideas ...” he said.
He said his appointment had not been without sacrifice.
“My whole family has had to sacrifice in the process. When you are young and you really need to punch above your weight you have to put everything aside and really live an abnormal life and have that passion for service,” Cassim said.
Another newcomer to parliament was former prosecutor Glynnis Breytenbach.
But as MPs continued to arrive, one politician who would not be returning was former DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko.
After sharing a hug with UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, Mazibuko who had a meeting to attend, said the moment was “bittersweet”.
COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota, despite facing a defeat at the elections winning less than 1% of the vote was still jubilant.
Inside the house the mood was vibey as MPs waited for chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to arrive.
Malema’s crew steal show at swearing-in
On a wet and cold morning in Cape Town, the “fighters” stood outside the entrance to the National Assembly, chanting “siyaya epalamente” (we are going to parliament) while they awaited Malema’s arrival. But EFF MP Sipho Mbatha appeared to have missed his party’s attire memo, as he was clad in a black suit and white shirt. Apparently his red overall went missing at the Cape Town International Airport.
Floyd Shivambu, who will soon be announced party chief whip, said they wore the overalls to signify their struggle with the working class.
Shivambu said they would wear the same attire to President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration on Saturday and on other “significant” days in parliament.
Zuma was sworn in yesterday despite the DA’s objection.
Malema was cocooned by red-clad fellow fighters as he made his way into Poorthuis. Meanwhile new MPs from all parties made their way through the drizzle and sodden pavements to take their seats in the house.
The dress choice of the day was dominated by black and white spots and checks, as well as various coloured outfits where squares stole the design limelight.
Standing out as she walked into the house was Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, who wore a black and white chequered tailored skirt and matching jacket.
Before being sworn in as the youngest member in parliament at the age of 24, Yusuf Cassim arrived with his wife, Shaakira, who wore a burqa and long black dress.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Cassim said he doubted his age would see him at a disadvantage.
“We are all here to learn. As we go along we will never know everything and we will never know enough but I believe that as a young person I can inject some fresh energy, some fresh ideas ...” he said.
He said his appointment had not been without sacrifice.
“My whole family has had to sacrifice in the process. When you are young and you really need to punch above your weight you have to put everything aside and really live an abnormal life and have that passion for service,” Cassim said.
Another newcomer to parliament was former prosecutor Glynnis Breytenbach.
But as MPs continued to arrive, one politician who would not be returning was former DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko.
After sharing a hug with UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, Mazibuko who had a meeting to attend, said the moment was “bittersweet”.
COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota, despite facing a defeat at the elections winning less than 1% of the vote was still jubilant.
Inside the house the mood was vibey as MPs waited for chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to arrive.
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