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Riot police deployed outside Parliament in anticipation of chaos

Xinhua, February 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Heavily armed riot police were deployed outside Parliament on Thursday where Zuma is going to deliver his State of Union Address (SONA).

Thousands of protesters were heading to Parliament from different directions in defiance of police orders to move back.

Scuffles between protestors and police were reported.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has threatened to disrupt Parliament if Zuma fails to explain in his SONA why he fired Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene late last year, a move that caused market turmoil.

A police officer, who refused to be named, said they have water cannons and stun grenades to contain possible riots. He said police anticipated the worst scenario to happen during Zuma's SONA.

The protest outside Parliament is part of the nationwide "Zuma Must Fall" movement, which was gaining momentum after Nene was fired. Similar protests were also taking place in Johannesburg, Durban, port Elizabeth and Pretoria.

Manaka said they could not wait until 2019 for Zuma to move out of power. Zuma's current term lasts until 2019.

Meanwhile, Zuma's supporters were also gathering in Keizersgracht Street in the Cape Town CBD and other places to stand in solidarity with the president.

The African National Congress Youth League and the Ses'khona People's Rights Movement were among the groups that were mobilising public support for Zuma.

Zuma is the country's president and must be respected, said Sulyman Stellenboom, spokesperson of the Ses'khona People's Rights Movement.

"People must recognize that Zuma is not only the African National Congress (ANC) leader but also the country's president and must be given due respect, said Stellenboom.

The crowd would remain on the streets until they are satisfied that the president has delivered his SONA without interruptions, Stellenboom said.

According to Stellenboom, about 20,000 people would come out in Cape Town to show solidarity with Zuma. Enditem