In show of a divided nation
the president is not supported by the society,” Mogale added. Asked why the president needed to be defended, Mogale replied: “He is our president. That’s the only reason.”
The M&G spoke to more than two dozen people at the birthday celebrations, who said the fact that Zuma remained president of the ANC was a good enough reason to defend him.
On Wednesday, the Union Buildings lawns in Pretoria saw opposition parties, including the EFF, the Democratic Alliance, the United Democratic Movement, Congress of the People and the Inkatha Freedom Party — all of whom joined forces in an effort to have Zuma unseated. It was declared a national day of action.
“Ours is the interest of South Africa and not petty politics. When the state of South Africa is threatened we put aside our differences. When we are united we will never be defeated by an inferior president,” said EFF leader Julius Malema.
The gathering at the Union Buildings has been declared the start of a series of organised actions by political parties and civil society organisations — with the next march scheduled for Tuesday April 18, when Parliament is scheduled to vote on a motion of no confidence.
Despite heavy rains that threatened to affect the turnout of the march, thousands of demonstrators gathered at Church Square in Pretoria’s city centre and clogged the streets in their march to the seat of government.
Malema encouraged people in Cape Town to flock to Parliament en masse in support of the vote of no confidence against Zuma.
In Kliptown, before the president took the stage, not all present had come to defend Zuma.
“He’s just celebrating his birthday. Defending him is not what I came for, I came here to celebrate because I think his days are numbered,” said Thami Dupe, a member of the youth league’s Alexandra branch.
“Everyone has a birthday and because he’s the president I thought I need to come celebrate with him. It’s more like a farewell party for him,” Dupe added.