Cape Town - Political differences were set aside as thousands marched to Parliament to make their voices heard in the calls for the removal of embattled President Jacob Zuma.
Party supporters from opposition parties and civil society organisations marched hand in hand from Cape Town's Keizersgracht Street to Parliament where speakers dished out speeches.
Shouts of "Down With Zuma", "Zuma Must Go" and "Down with Corrupt Government" reverberated in the corner Roeland Street and St Johns Road, a stone's throw from the national legislature.
Speaker after speaker called on the MPs, especially those from the ANC, to put the country first when they cast their ballots in the motion of no confidence in Zuma.
This, speakers said, would help take the country move forward and free it from the grip of Gupta family, state capture and corruption, among others.
Addressing the crowds, IFP chief whip Narend Singh said the country was not for sale to the highest bidder.
Recounting the saying that when fish rots, its starts from its head, Singh said: “The rot has to stop now”.
ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe thanked God for giving them hope yesterday when Speaker Baleka Mbete decided on a secret ballot.
"The speaker took us all by surprise ...We are thankful that all MPs will have the right and liberty to vote with conscience," Meshoe said.
"They now have no more excuse. They have nothing to fear," he said in reference to ANC MPs who has wished for a secret ballot.
Meshoe remained hoped about the vote for the motion, saying "We want you to enjoy your dinner tonight, Jacob Zuma is going".
Meshoe also said the country deserved better.
"We believe South Africa will be much better without Zuma," he said.
Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota said those who participated in the march in Cape Town, Tshwane, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth had voted with their feet.
He took a swipe at Zuma saying he had handed the country’s freedom to the Guptas.
Lekota also said when they voted, they would think about the country’s future.
“We will think about your children who don't have money at universities and schools. We will vote to support the motion,” he said.
* All videos by Louis Neethling/Cape Times