Quit now, opposition parties tell Zuma at joint rally

… As President celebrates 75th birthday

Rival South African opposition parties joined forces yesterday when tens of thousand demonstrators marked the 75th birthday of President Jacob Zuma with a protest against him, pushing for his resignation because of scandals and his dismissal of a widely respected finance minister.
The march to Union Buildings, the official seat of government  came after nationwide rallies against the president last week. The president, meanwhile, danced at a party where well-wishers said they loved him.
Zuma’s recent sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan has fanned years of public anger over government corruption scandals, record unemployment and slowing economic growth. Supporters of the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), and smaller parties mingled at Wednesday’s demonstration in a display of unity.
Police said the event had been peaceful. “You came out in large numbers and sent a strong message,” EFF leader Julius Malema told the crowd. “We are here to defend the future of our children whether you are black (or) white. We are united on the purpose of winning back our beautiful country.”
Gordhan’s sacking triggered unprecedented criticism from senior figures within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), including from Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. The ANC has since tried to close ranks behind Zuma and has vowed to defeat a no-confidence vote against him in parliament.
The vote is scheduled for next Tuesday but may be delayed due to a legal tussle over whether it should be a secret ballot. “At this moment of crisis, we, as political parties, put our differences aside for one common cause to save South Africa from Jacob Zuma,” said John Moodey, DA leader in Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg.
“(Zuma’s supporters) will do everything to stay in power, even intimidating MPs. With a secret ballot, we could put Zuma out by a huge majority.
“Even if it doesn’t succeed, I can guarantee you that we will have a coalition government in 2019.