South African parliament descends into chaos as Zuma gets hostile reception

Members of Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) (in red) clash with security officials after being ordered out of the chamber during President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation address in parliament in Cape Town          PHOTO ; COURTESY

South Africa's parliament descended into chaos on Thursday as opposition lawmakers were removed by force after disrupting Jacob Zuma's annual address, an unprecedented sign of discontent at his administration.

The President's first State of the Nation speech since his re-election last May had been billed as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and its plans for the year ahead.