Thousands to march in ‘Zuma must fall’ protest

SOUTH AFRICANS are expected to take to the streets in their thousands this week in a series of demonstrations against President Jacob Zuma.

Anger has built across the country since Mr Zuma, 74, fired nine cabinet members, including his highly respected finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, 67.

A social media campaign dubbed “Black Monday” that spread across the internet at the weekend called on South Africans to wear black clothing today as a protest against Mr Zuma.

The largest demonstration is due to be held in Johannesburg on Friday with the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, calling on other political parties, unions and civil society movements to march to the ANC’s city centre headquarters, Luthuli House.

At a memorial service for anti-apartheid hero Ahmed Kathrada, who was imprisoned with Nelson Mandela, Mr Gordhan urged citizens “to act” against the capture of the government by corrupt forces.

Mr Gordhan was cheered by ANC members who chanted “Zuma must fall” after his speech.

Opposition parties are pushing for a motion of no confidence to be passed against Mr Zuma in the African National Congress-dominated parliament.

They need 201 out of the 400 MPs to vote with them but it is uncertain if they will win the numbers.

Mr Zuma’s authority has been steadily undermined as his administration has staggered through a series of blunders, including the use of state funds to make lavish improvements to his rural homestead and a debacle that threatened the payment of social grants to millions who depend on them.