EFF leader Julius Malema was called an 'impimpi' after he disclosed information about the ANC.

CAPE TOWN - In the absence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), African National Congress (ANC) MPs laid into the opposition on day two of a debate on the State of the Nation Address (Sona) in Parliament.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela called EFF leader Julius Malema a gossip after Malema revealed information about the ANC, which he was privy to as the former youth league leader.

During a debate on the president's Sona on Tuesday, Malema disclosed that his one-time confidante Fikile Mbalula was informed by the Gupta family that he would be a minister.

Manamela referred to Malema as an "impimpi", a word meaning informant.

"In fact, he is a coward who thrives on noise and also on gossip."

Manamela reminded the EFF that the Public Protector had made findings against Malema in 2012.

"It will help, honourable speaker, to know whether the EFF will also go to the Constitutional Court and ensure that their leader is also forced to comply with the findings of the Public Protector."

He also had words for the Democratic Alliance (DA).

"The role of the official opposition is to represent white privilege."

President Jacob Zuma will reply to the debate this afternoon.