The commotion derailed proceedings and prompted a heated exchange that included a pointed accusation referencing Ramaphosa’s past visit to President Donald Trump in the U.S. White House.

A tense scene unfolded in South Africa’s National Assembly on Tuesday when Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Members of Parliament disrupted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s question-and-answer session, objecting to the presence of his personal protectors in the parliamentary chamber. 

The commotion derailed proceedings and prompted a heated exchange that included a pointed accusation referencing Ramaphosa’s past visit to President Donald Trump in the U.S. White House.

The disruptions began when EFF MPs raised concerns over armed presidential security personnel seated near African National Congress (ANC) members in a section of the chamber not clearly designated for the public. 

The incident reignited long-standing tensions around security protocols and space constraints in the National Assembly, which lacks a venue large enough to host all MPs during plenary sessions.

EFF MPs repeatedly raised points of order, demanding an explanation for the presence of the personal protectors on the chamber floor. 

The situation escalated as MPs defied instructions from Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet, leading to their forcible removal and muting on the virtual platform.

"Honourable Mente, please leave the chamber. Sergeant-at-arms, please assist Honourable Mente. You are now in serious contempt. Honourable Khawula, please leave the chamber,” Lotriet said, attempting to restore order according to Eyewitness News.

As disruptions stretched beyond 30 minutes, President Ramaphosa, initially composed, eventually expressed frustration. 

“Honourable deputy speaker, I feel abused. I honestly feel abused," Ramaphosa said during the standoff.

His remarks prompted a sharp retort from EFF MP Sinawo Tambo, who shouted back, “You didn’t feel like that when Trump was abusing you in the White House. Why didn’t you feel abused in the White House? You are feeling abused by your own people.”

Tambo was referencing Ramaphosa’s visit to the U.S. White House in Washington, D.C., where he met with President Donald Trump. 

The visit drew criticism from some quarters within South Africa, who viewed Ramaphosa’s interactions with Trump, known for controversial statements about Africa, as deferential.

Lotriet subsequently announced that the disruptions and conduct of the EFF MPs would be referred to Parliament’s Powers and Privileges Committee, calling it a “serious legal infringement” that undermined the business of the house.

Due to the upheaval, Ramaphosa was unable to respond to several outstanding questions, including supplementary queries on South Africa’s diplomatic efforts regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine and the upcoming inquiry into unresolved Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases raised by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.