CAPE TOWN: Scores of ANC supporters have gathered at Cape Town's Grand Parade, ahead of this afternoon's vote of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma in Parliament.
By midday, hundreds of supporters had gathered opposite City Hall, singing and chanting pro-Zuma slogans of "Zuma Must Stay" and "Hands off Zuma".
Hands off Zuma - this group of new arrivals at the Grand Parade are singing. #ZumaVote @IOL @WeekendArgus pic.twitter.com/jEMSlLUUHg
— Rrrrobin Adams (@RobinAdamsZA) August 8, 2017
Many were transported to the site in busses, with more expected to arrive during the course of the day.
More @MYANC supporters arriving on @goldenarrowbus at Grand Parade. #ZumaVote @IOL @WeekendArgus pic.twitter.com/8pcSJx30P1
— Rrrrobin Adams (@RobinAdamsZA) August 8, 2017
Despite a large police presence, the crowds remained jovial, with many supporters claiming they have confidence in the failure of the motion against Zuma.
"We are 100% behind Zuma," says Zodwa Nyakaza from @MYANC ward 96 in Khayelitsha. #ZumaVote #NoConfidence #CapeTown @IOL @WeekendArgus pic.twitter.com/MJbqirTLLV
— Rrrrobin Adams (@RobinAdamsZA) August 8, 2017
Some ANC members even traveled from across the country in support of the president.
Simon April travelled all the way from KZN in support of the president #Zumavote @IOL @WeekendArgus pic.twitter.com/WutbuIJGOG
— Luke Folb (@lukefolb) August 8, 2017 The MK foundation arrived with placards depicting the words 'Save SA from White monopoly capital' and 'Save SA from poverty, unemployment and inequality'. Bus loads of EFF supporters also joined the gathering at the Grand Parade.
The crowds will soon make their way to Parliament, where they will join hundreds of members from opposition parties and civil society groups who are currently marching against Zuma.The @EFFSouthAfrica has joined the Grand Parade gathering. #ZumaVote @IOL @WeekendArgus pic.twitter.com/eTXSlM3zEt
— Rrrrobin Adams (@RobinAdamsZA) August 8, 2017