South Africa rises up against Zuma in various marches… here’s all the info you need to know.

A wave of various anti-Zuma movements have leapt up all over social media in recent days speared on by the disastrous events of the much-publicised decisions taken by President Jacob Zuma in the finance ministry of late.

Last week, Zuma unexpectedly announced that Nhlanhla Nene would be replaced by the relatively unknown David van Rooyen as Finance minister. The latter was abruptly removed four-days later; swapping ministries with Pravin Gordhan.

The result was the formation of various pages on Facebook informing the public at large of the various marches taking place in parts of the country tomorrow.

Some well-known South Africans are expected to join marches against President Jacob Zuma today.

Unite Against Corruption, which is leading marches in Johannesburg and Cape Town today, says Zwelinzima Vavi, Barbara Hogan and Reverend Mpho Tutu have all confirmed their attendance.

Spokesperson Johan de Meyer says several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are supporting the demonstrations.

“The South African Council of Churches is on board and multi-faith groupings, it’s really a very diverse group.”

Section 27’s Mark Heywood says, “The purpose of the gathering is to strengthen calls for the president of our country to be either removed or to step down.”

Here’s some info on the city wide marches…

Cape Town and Jo’burg
The Unite Against Corruption (UAC) coalition will be hosting two anti-Zuma marches tomorrow; one in Johannesburg, the other in Cape Town. Commenting on the Johannesburg event, Mark Haywood said there’s been huge interest in the march and they have partnered up with various civil organisations, businesses and trade unions. He has been in negotiations with the city and is adamant the march is going ahead.

“I’m hoping that a court application will not be necessary but if that’s what has to happen at the last minute then that’s the route we’ll go,” he said.

They plan to occupy Nelson Mandela Bridge over a two-hour period starting at 10am.

Their Cape Town counterparts have been given the green-light from the city to go ahead with their demonstration. Miles Giljam says their event will kick-off at 10am at the Company Gardens in the front of the city centre’s National History Museum and all they are doing is providing a space for those who want to object against Zuma’s leadership.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to sing songs and have been urged to bring their own supplies and placards.

Prior to that, there will be an official Zuma Must Fall congregation outside Parliament. Kerry Nelson said buses have been sponsored and following their demonstration they will thereafter head off to the UAC event at the Company Gardens.

Pretoria
In Pretoria, supporters of the anti-Zuma movement will meet at the Pretoria Art Museum at the corner of Francis Baard and Johan Streets in Arcadia by 9 am.

They will then march to the Union Buildings where they plan to protest until 3 pm.

Port Elizabeth
In Port Elizabeth, local resident Alter James is organising a march scheduled to start at 10am at the corner of Holland Street and Govan Mbeki Avenue.

He has partnered up with the owner of a printing firm for the sale of T-shirts tagged #ZumaMustFall priced at R45 each.

Following a morning meeting with Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Danny Jordaan, James said they have received the necessary go-ahead for the march to take place and marshals will be placed along route to Jordaan’s office where they will deliver a memorandum lamenting Zuma’s leadership; particularly his poor handling of matters pertaining to Nkandla, the SABC and SAA.

Incidentally, Zuma will be commemorating National Reconciliation Day in the city. According a statement from the presidency, he will be giving an address at the indoor centre of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Missionvale Campus from 9am and his address will speak to issues related to nation building.

Plettenberg Bay and George
A silent protest also under the Zuma Must fall moniker will be held in Plettenberg Bay from 4 – 5.30pm at Plett Main Street.

Facebook postings say those interested must bring their own placards, select a spot on the pavement and protest against Zuma’s leadership. In George, there will be a silent picket at Unity Park at the top of York Street from 10am – 1pm. Those attending are encouraged to bring posters and to invite friends and family.

Durban
Durban’s anti-Zuma event is scheduled for February 2016. According to queries posted on Facebook, this is so as to allow organisers enough time to prepare. Dubbed the Multi Million Man March, they have set themselves an ambitious target of at least one million participants.

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by Brent Lindeque

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