Thousands in Pta join call for Zuma to step down

'The gathering was about endorsing the call of the masses for the president must step down.'

April 27, 2017

1 minute read

Thousands have gathered at the Caledonian Stadium in Pretoria to add their voice to the call for President Jacob Zuma to step down, reports the Pretoria East Rekord.

Political parties, workers union leaders and civil society turned up on Thursday morning to support the event organised to coincide with Freedom day celebrations.

Leader of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Reverend Kenneth Meshoe told Rekord that the event was about endorsing the call of the masses for the president must step down.

“It is not an attack on the ANC but a plea to the ruling party to put the interests of millions of South Africans [first] instead of continuing to protect one man,” said Meshoe.

Political analyst, Prince Mashele said they had four demands.

“We want the president to go, we want to protect the constitution, we want to protect the integrity of our country and we want to appeal to the ANC to free Zuma,” he said.

Leaders of various political parties such as the Freedom Movement, DA, UDM and ACDP have started addressing the people at the gathering.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said the gathering was about removing the president and not an attack on the ruling party.

“So far, the indication is that he’s not sober to lead the country, so we’ll support that [his removal].”

DA leader Mmusi Maimane said people must continue to march and protest to put pressure on Zuma.