Cape Town – Members of the ANC were on Thursday ensuring that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) went ahead smoothly in Cape Town. This is according to the Western Cape provincial spokesman Yonela Diko.
“We have to close in on the parliamentary precinct to protect democracy and the president,” said Diko.
He said this was the reason for what appeared to be a protest by ANC and Ses’Khona People’s Rights Movement members.
Earlier on Thursday, supporters made their way to Plein Street where they were met by riot police. A scuffle broke out and stones and bottles were thrown at police.
Eventually, police and protesters came to an agreement and the crowd dispersed.
Diko said they needed to ensure there was no space for drama. He said they were closing the precinct as ordinary South Africans should feel safe to walk around and enjoy the day.
Although he said he did not predict any violence, Diko said he did expect some “drama and theatrics” from opposition supporters.
He said it was “typical of small people” like the EFF and the DA to create chaos.
However, said Diko, “the EFF and their 10 members” did not pose a threat to the smooth running of SONA, which would begin at 7pm.
“This space will be respected,” he said.
African News Agency