#ZumaMustFall: South Africans Take to the Streets In Protest
South African in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria are gathering for anti-Zuma protests.
South Africans across the country have gathered in the streets today to protest corruption and demand the resignation of President Jacob Zuma.
Demonstrations are taking place in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria, following last month's cabinet reshuffle, in which the president fired nine members of his cabinet including, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. His actions put further strain on South Africa's economy, relegating the country's credit to "junk status."
Protesters made plans to gather near the ANC's headquarters in Johannesburg, leading to increased police presence in the area. Crowds also met at the compound owned by the wealthy Gupta family, who maintain ties to the president.
BBC reports, that police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters during one of the demonstrations in Johannesburg.
Others have assembled in Church Square in the capital city, Pretoria.
Scores of people have gathered in #ChurchSquare in support of #ZumaMustFall campaign #AMLive#sabcnewspic.twitter.com/tS4GYZggf5
— Zoleka Qodashe (@ZOLEKV_Q) April 7, 2017
#ChurchSquare marching to #UnionBuildings great crowd! Time to turn off the #PhilCollins music @ #UnionBuildingspic.twitter.com/nduyfffDKZ
— Sarah Carter (@sarzss) April 7, 2017
#peoplesmarch Bikers at Church Square earlier today. BB pic.twitter.com/2yEbqihg1X
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 7, 2017
Not everyone who believes that #ZumaMustFall are supporting the protests, however. Many Black South Africans, question the movement's authenticity, and have accused white participants of co-opting the protest in an attempt to save face.
That awkward moment when it wasn't for sale in 1652 either and yet, here you are pic.twitter.com/c4RTIdbXDx
— Rxfaro (@Rxfaro) April 7, 2017
The only thing I've learnt from the #AntiZumaMarches is that white south africans are embarrassingly inexperienced at protesting.
— Irish Potato Guy (@Tioranta) April 7, 2017
White South Africans rightly have no Struggle songs, they can only sing about Conquest #AntiZumaMarcheshttps://t.co/0FotFCW5n9
— Panashe Chigumadzi (@panashechig) April 7, 2017
White South Africans are really the most delusional group of caucasians hey, it's crazy
— Dáme Fuego (@tumi_heartthrob) April 7, 2017
So in between stealing land and mispronouncing our names you want to claim unity and participate in selective protesting? #ZumaMustFallpic.twitter.com/A00kB2hksM
— zoleka.vee (@Zoleka_Yo) April 7, 2017
It seems that despite widespread opposition, Zuma still maintains a fair share of supporters. Members of the ANC party's youth wing also gathered outside its headquarters at Luthuli House to shield it from protestors. Others have expressed support for what they believe are the president's plans for "radical socio-economic" change, reports the BBC.
Earlier this week, Zuma dodged a request from allied parties to step down from power.