Durban crowds support #Zumamustfall protests

DURBANITES across the city have gathered in various spots in support of the #Zumamustfall protest today (Friday, 7 April).

This call for action comes after President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle which saw finance minister, Pravin Gordhan among the five ministers and six deputies fired. Since then the rand has tanked and it was announced on Monday that South Africa has been downgraded to junk status by American financial agency Standard & Poor (S&P).

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The call went out earlier this week for a nationwide shutdown, with South Africans urged to join and unite for the greater good of the country. The message going around stated: “On Friday, the 7 April South Africans need to take to the streets in masses… wherever you are, with signs of protest to make our collective voice heard. Block highways, stand with your communities, go to political houses, go to prayer meetings, and arrange your own marches. Do whatever you can to make your voice heard.”

In Amanzintoti, a group who are part of the Athlone Park Neighbourhood Watch are gathering on the Twini Hill Bridge over the N2, with their SA flags waving in the wind. They’re asking motorists driving pass to hoot in support of the #Zumamustfall campaign.

They are more concerned about where the country is heading as opposed to making it a political drive.

“This is an apolitical statement, the junk status is going to affect us, unemployment is going to increase. We are all going to bear the brunt,” said a protestor who chose not to be named.

LISTEN: Durbanites sing the national anthem at the #Zumamustfall march: 

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Protests taking place in cities around the country, including Cape Town and Johannesburg, have galvanised crowds from early this morning.

Montclair resident, Belinda Harcombe said the atmosphere at the Durban march at the old circus site near Suncoast is peaceful and calm. “It’s all good here -everyone is in such good spirits,” she added. Hundreds of people are at the site and numbers are still growing.