Despite peaceful anti-Jacob Zuma protests last week, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula warned the thousands of marchers descending on Pretoria today to exercise their freedom of speech within the ambit of the law.
Mbalula said there would be more police visibility with a view to maintaining law and order at the march, which coincides with Zuma’s 75th birthday.
Opposition parties who have organised the march are calling on Zuma to step down.
Marchers will start converging at Church Square at 9am and then later proceed to the Union Buildings, where political representatives will deliver messages of support.
“The SAPS members, together with other government departments, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders will once again be deployed to maintain law and order and keep South Africa safe,” Mbalula said.
The National Day of Action has been organised by: DA, Cope, IFP, EFF, ACDP, APC and the UDM to intensify calls for Zuma to step down. Tshwane Metro Police Department spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said the march was approved.
“The marchers are expected to be coming from all provinces to gather at Church Square.”