S/Africa: Opposition protesters in Pretoria urge Zuma to quit

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the South African capital Pretoria for protests urging President Jacob Zuma to step down. Wednesday’s march to Union Buildings, the official seat of government, was organised by a coalition of opposition parties following nationwide rallies against Zuma last week. The president’s recent dismissal of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan stoked […]

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the South African capital Pretoria for protests urging President Jacob Zuma to step down.

Wednesday’s march to Union Buildings, the official seat of government, was organised by a coalition of opposition parties following nationwide rallies against Zuma last week.

The president’s recent dismissal of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan stoked public anger over government corruption scandals, record unemployment and slowing economic growth.

The march was led by the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, along with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and smaller opposition parties.

Gordhan’s sacking prompted unprecedented criticism from senior figures in the ruling African National Congress (ANC), including from Cyril Ramaphosa, deputy president.

Zuma, who turned 75 on Wednesday, is due to step down as head of the ANC in December and as president in advance of the 2019 general election.