08 Feb 2018

Opposition parties plan national shutdown to force Zexit

Johannesburg - Opposition parties are planning a national shutdown to protest against the long and drawn-out process leading to President Jacob Zuma's resignation.

Economic Freedom Fighters spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi told News24 that the party would announce details of a planned national shutdown later on Thursday.

"It's not just the EFF. We are planning a national shutdown that will be joined by everyone. We will make an announcement."

DEVELOPING: #Zexit countdown - Ramaphosa addresses special ANC caucus meeting

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said opposition leaders were discussing the date. He however, said it would most likely happen on February 22.

"We want this to be a national discussion with South Africans to send a strong message under the hashtag #RemoveZuma. It's clear that the ANC is failing to remove Zuma. They are still trying to deceive South Africans with this talk of a transition. What is that? It's high time we take this to the streets," Holomisa said.

The Democratic Alliance could not immediately confirm whether it would participate in the planned march.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane however said in a statement that the country cannot continue to be held in limbo over Zuma's exit.

"We need a swift resolution to this impasse as soon as possible," he said.

Maimane said the DA had consulted with the EFF and had resolved to call for an urgent sitting of Parliament on Tuesday February 13 for a motion of no confidence in Zuma.

READ: Ramaphosa saved Zuma from humiliation - ANC Veterans' League

EFF leader Julius Malema tweeted on Wednesday that the party would be, "going to the streets because those with power don’t know how to exercise it, no-one can defeat the power of the masses".

It looks like we have to go to the streets because those with power don’t know how to exercise it, no one can defeat the power of the masses. The postponement of SONA is a declaration of a crises, the masses must take over now and reclaim their country from @MYANC cowards.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 7, 2018

Malema then tweeted that the country needed militant and radical youth and students to take to the streets and reclaim the future from "old fraudsters".

Where are young people and students of our country? Why do you entrust your future in the hands of people who sold us out before? We need the militant and radical youth and students to take to the streets and reclaim our future from these old fraudsters @MYANC.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) February 7, 2018

In an attempt to allay frustration, African National Congress president Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that talks with Zuma about the "transition" were ongoing, and there would be a report back once they had finalised all "pertinent matters".

Ramaphosa made this statement after cancelling a special national executive committee meeting, where a decision was expected to be made to recall Zuma.

Parliament on Wednesday said there was still no proposed date for a State of the Nation Address, following its postponement, as the issue was being handled by the ANC leaders.

The party's Parliamentary caucus was holding a special meeting on Thursday morning.

Ramaphosa will address the caucus, however the content of the meeting will not be disclosed, ANC spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli said

It is not usual for caucuses to sit before the SONA, usually considered the "opening of Parliament".

Reports are that ANC MPs will discuss its options at the meeting ahead of an anticipated announcement from Ramaphosa on Zuma's future.

The announcement will have implications for the caucus if Zuma either resigns, or a recall is ordered.

Parliament will have to convene a special sitting to remove Zuma if he does not resign. A new president will need to be elected in either scenario within 30 days.

ANC secretary general Ace Magashule was seen with ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu in the Parliamentary precinct on Thursday.

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