KwaZulu-Natal - About 100 police officers in riot gear were in Nkandla on Sunday ahead of DA leader Helen Zille's planned inspection of President Jacob Zuma's homestead.
About 50 African National Congress supporters were protesting on the road outside Zuma's residence, in the village of KwaNxamalala. Some carried placards reading: “Stop attacking Zuma”.
A police helicopter was in the air and officers were stopping vehicles heading in the direction of Zuma's compound, checking licences and identities.
There were several armoured Nyala riot vehicles at various points along the road, as well as a water canon.
The Democratic Alliance was planning to visit Zuma's private residence, where an upgrade, reportedly costing R200 million, was in progress. Zille and DA officials intended inspecting roads around the property and would try to enter the compound.
Zille was expected to arrive at the residence between 10am and 11am, along with a media contingent.
The African National Congress and its allies have criticised the move.
On Saturday the SA Communist Party said the planned inspection was part of a racist right-wing agenda.
On Friday the African National Congress warned the DA could receive a welcoming similar to the stone-throwing that erupted in May when the opposition party tried to march to the Congress of SA Trade Unions' headquarters in Johannesburg. - Sapa