Another D-day on Zuma’s B-day

Despite it being his birthday, thousands will march again to the Union Buildings today to call on President Jacob Zuma to resign.

President Jacob Zuma’s statement that last week’s nationwide marches against his presidency showed the prevalence of racism indicates his obsession with race, according to the Congress of the People (Cope).

Spokesperson Dennis Bloem said his party was not “shocked or surprised” at Zuma’s statement at the memorial service for anti-apartheid hero Chris Hani in Boksburg on Monday.

“Mr Zuma is obsessed with race; he is very good in dividing our country along racial lines,” Bloem said in a statement yesterday.

“His claims are nothing but a despicable red herring, which must be condemned with contempt … Jacob Zuma is paranoid.”

At the memorial, Zuma said there was a racism onslaught in the country which was no longer hidden.

He said the racism was displayed on placards during the marches.

The anti-Zuma marches last week were prompted by the president’s midnight reshuffle that resulted in finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas being sacked.

The move sparked a ratings downgrade for SA and the rand went into free fall.

Marchers were – and are still – calling for Zuma to step down.

Another march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria is planned by opposition parties today, again to demand that the president steps down.

Anyone is allowed to join the march, which coincides with Zuma’s 75th birthday.

“We want to remind Mr Zuma that on his birthday Cope, with other opposition parties and civil society, will take to the streets and march to the Union Buildings,” said Bloem.

“Mr Zuma must know that the rolling mass action campaign to remove him will be intensified over the next few days and weeks.” – ANA

We want to remind Mr Zuma that on his birthday Cope, with other opposition parties and civil society, will take to the streets and march to the Union Buildings.

Dennis Bloem Cope spokesperson