Why Has Zuma Employed the Army? Watch these 2 Videos from SONA 2016
The question many South Africans are asking today, is why President Jacob Zuma has authorised the employment of 441 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the SA Police Service (SAPS) “to maintain law and order” at the Opening of Parliament, where Zuma will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) […]
The question many South Africans are asking today, is why President Jacob Zuma has authorised the employment of 441 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the SA Police Service (SAPS) “to maintain law and order” at the Opening of Parliament, where Zuma will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2017.
Traditionally the SANDF is present at the SONA in a ceremonial role, but this year Zuma has employed them in a more active role.
The DA have accused Zuma’s motives as being to “intimidate opposition both inside and outside of the ANC”.
The EFF said it is a “declaration of War on citizens” and that it means “Zuma is planning to murder those he disagrees with”. The EFF has called on the army to “refuse to be turned against the people” and to rather defy and “turn their guns against Zuma!”
Perhaps understanding Zuma’s motives for employing the army this year can be found in watching this video from last year’s SONA:
There was anarchy on the streets of Cape Town:
Or could it be because the EFF was disruptive last year (and ended up walking out). COPE also walked out, and there was much heckling by those who remained…
Disruption in the House
Whatever Zuma’s motive, the DA Chief Whip, John Steenhuisen, will seek an urgent meeting with Speaker Baleka Mbete over this “worrying development”.
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