Mood calm but tense ahead of Zuma’s Sona in Cape Town
The ANC’s ‘People’s Assembly’ is taking place just metres away from security workers in EFF regalia, but the police confirm they are on high alert
The mood in Cape Town’s CBD ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation address (Sona) on Thursday was calm, with just brief moments of tension. Police presence was high all around the city as residents prepared to end the business day. Thousands of ANC supporters began gathering for a "People’s Assembly" event at Cape Town’s Grand Parade, while around the corner security workers dressed in EFF regalia were gathering in a protest demonstration. The people’s assembly gathering is a national ANC event which Zuma was scheduled to address after delivering his Sona in Parliament. Many of the people at the event came in "defence" of Zuma and in celebration of the ANC and its legacy. Bathandwa Frans‚ from Khayelitsha‚ said he was concerned about the decline in the party’s popularity but that he wanted Zuma to finish his term as president. "The ANC will regain its popularity once they reshuffle the national executive committee. Today the president can speak and finish‚ then we can h...
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