The art of the diss still raising heckles in parliament
Parliamentarians spend hundreds of hours talking as part of their jobs, and sometimes South Africans sit up and take notice of what they're saying.
More often, however, it's the jibes, jokes and insults that stick. In 2017, parliament coined new terms, resurrected old ones and kept South Africans laughing.
EFF MPs - who do not acknowledge President Jacob Zuma as head of state - have come up with creative ways to avoid referring to him as such. This year they coined "uBaba kaDuduzane", "Duduzane's dad". It was first used during the no-confidence vote in August, and it wasn't long before it was trending.
EFF leader Julius Malema also had a hand in the reintroduction of the antiquated insult "dunderhead", again for Zuma. The word, which dates from the early 17th century, is enjoying a bit of a revival among South African Twitter users as a result...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.