Louder calls for Zuma to quit at Luthuli House

This is one of the first steps that we’re going to take.

Activists from rival factions of South Africa’s Africa National Congress (ANC) faced off in central Johannesburg on Monday, highlighting deep divisions in the ruling party as pressure grows on President Jacob Zuma.

ANC MEMBERS protesting outside the party’s headquarters in Johannesburg on Monday were threatened and intimidated, forcing them to scale down the size of their demonstration, as angry members of the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) insisted they would not get near the building.

Gwede Mantashe is escorted down the street during the #OccupyLuthuliHouse protest. The ANC Women’s League has labelled the protesters as cowards and not ANC members.

A placard by rival Zuma supporters read: “Don’t try this at Luthuli House”. “No one should come to Luthuli House and raise petty issues, they must follow procedure”, Maphatsoe said. “That’s why today Jacob Zuma is still the president”, Manganye told the Mail & Guardian.

During the protest, the #OccupyLuthuliHouse protestors were met by #DefendLuthuliHouse protestors, who were against the protest.

“Allow it to fizzle out”, Mantashe added, saying that the ANC must listen to every voice and what is historically its friends and not to create behaviour that will bring further publicity.

The movement is apparently led by members of the ANC who have become dissatisfied with the leadership of the party.

Mantashe also thanked supporters for coming out to defend Luthuli House.

When Daily Maverick asked Manganye how #OccupyLuthuliHouse would deal with possible sanctions from the ANC, Manganye said they were ready.

The NEC has been visiting different regions since the party’s poor showing in the local government elections, seeking answers for its dismal performance. “The ANC should have recalled Zuma when the Constitutional Court found that he had failed to defend, protect and uphold the Constitution”, he said. He said the leadership did not subscribe to the core values of the party.

Tensions continued after the memorandum was handed over.

Zuma, 74, who was jailed on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela during apartheid, retains strong loyalty within the ANC especially in rural areas, but he could step down before the next presidential election in 2019. Whatever they come up with, the ANC’s pseudo “defence force” eagerly awaits another opportunity to demonstrate their thuggery.