Parliament – President Zuma was heckled as he entered the National Assembly ahead of his State Of The Nation Address.
Members of the EFF shouted "Tsotsi Tsotsi" and later "Kwezi Kwezi".
The ANC attempted to counter the EFF with chants of "ANC ANC ANC". The chanting continued for about two minutes before Speaker Baleka Mbete called the house to order.
The EFF refused to sing the Afrikaans part of the National Anthem instead choosing to sit down.
Earlier on Thursday EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu sent the Speaker a letter to say that they will not allow Zuma to speak unless this matter was addressed.
He said there must be a debate on the legitimacy of Zuma and Parliament itself because of the findings of the Constitutional Court.
Shivambu said when Zuma begins speaking they will raise this matter with Mbete.
However, he insisted this will be done within the rules of Parliament.
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Mbete had indicated SONA is a matter that was discussed with all parties, and there was only one item on the agenda on Thursday.
She said Parliament cannot discuss other items except the SONA
She was supported by National Council of Provinces chairperson Thandi Modise, who said there was only one item on the agenda of Parliament on Thursday.
Modise said on Wednesday the role of Zuma must be understood in the SONA.
The president was giving an account of his government to the nation.
“Let me emphasise it is his agenda. We agree there is no other item on the agenda,” she said.
Parliament’s business cannot be distracted by issues raised by the opposition.