Pretoria - EFF supporters stood holding placards referring to President Jacob Zuma’s rape accuser, known as Khwezi, who went into exile following his acquittal, as he rose to deliver the closing address at the IEC announcements ceremony in Pretoria.
As Zuma mounted the podium, members of the EFF seated in the front row at the glittering affair, attended by international diginitaries, stood and walked out.
But they were quickly replaced as four young women dressed in black rose to stand facing the audience, holding placards that together read: “I am 1 in 3, # 10 years later, khanga, remember Khwezi”.
Independent Media later confirmed they were EFF supporters.
We are all okay. Thank you #RememberKhwezi pic.twitter.com/qiOjgh1Jv4
— Simamkele Dlakavu (@simamkeleD) August 6, 2016
A clearly off balance Zuma proceeded with his speech as journalists thronged around the protesters and they were removed by security staff.
They later left the premises unescorted, saying they feared for their lives.
Zuma said the holding of the elections was testimony to the progress the country and people were making.
The people were the real victors in the election outcome and their will should prevail, he said.
While parties had waged their campaigns under different banners, “we are now one people”, he said.
He said elected representatives should now attend to the issues raised with them on the campaign trail so people could experience the fruits of democracy.
Election Bureau