Zuma gets rowdy reception in parliament

South African President Jacob Zuma’s first appearance in parliament since he survived a no-confidence move three weeks ago led to rowdy scenes on Thursday in which several opposition lawmakers were ordered out of the chamber. The 75-year-old Zuma, whose eight years in office have been tarnished by a series of scandals, was heckled and harangued […]

South African President Jacob Zuma’s first appearance in parliament since he survived a no-confidence move three weeks ago led to rowdy scenes on Thursday in which several opposition lawmakers were ordered out of the chamber.

The 75-year-old Zuma, whose eight years in office have been tarnished by a series of scandals, was heckled and harangued by opposition parties as he attempted to speak on a range of issues including his own alleged involvement in corruption.

Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party fired questions at Zuma, delaying his presentation for more than an hour.

Then when he attempted to field questions on the economy, violence against women and whether he was implicated in corruption, he faced a further barrage of interruptions. He has always denied wrongdoing.

Deputy speaker Lechesa Tsenoli ordered the EFF contingent to leave the chamber after their leader Julius Malema called Zuma “a criminal” and refused to obey instructions to stop disrupting proceedings.