'Our government is tainted' says protester at ANC NEC
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. Picketers outside the Saint George's Hotel in Pretoria where the ANC is holding a national executive committee meeting say they are raising their voices because South Africa's future had to be rescued.
Malesela Montja, not a member of any political party, said he felt he was bound by the love of his country to stand up and make his voice heard .
"I'm here because I'm concerned about what is happening in our country. I'm concerned for the future of our country, for my unborn children," said Montja.
About 30 people have gathered in front of the venue where the ANC was holding its NEC. They are calling for the removal of President Jacob Zuma.
Public outcry
There has been public outcry and calls for his removal since revelations by former MP, Vytjie Mentor, and Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas who claimed they were offered ministerial positions by the Gupta family.
On Friday ANC secretary general, Gwede Mantashe, said the issue of the Guptas and state capture was not on the agenda but would be addressed if it rose from the floor.
Montja said he was an accountant and understood what the instability was doing to the country and economy. He called on the NEC to listen to the many voices calling for Zuma's removal.
"We are saying to the NEC, hear our cry. We will be five today but a revolution was started by a few people all over the world. You are failing to listen to the people on the ground. You don't listen to young professionals and say we are clever blacks and elites," he said.
Remove Zuma this weekend
Montja added that he was shocked when he heard the revelations. But he said he hoped it was the beginning of more things to come.
"It's a tip of the iceberg. We would hope this is the beginning of one domino falling and the rest following. Our government is tainted," he said.
ANC Youth League member, Ronald Lamola, who is part of the group picketing, said it was the last chance to recall Zuma.
"We are saying the ANC NEC must be pressured to recall President Zuma as the president of the country and call a special national congress before the of this year," said Lamola.
Lamola said if the ANC was not prepared to act, the public would be the next best option.
"This is the last warning shot to the ANC to say that if they don't fire him or remove his weekend, society must stand up and remove him," he said.
The NEC will run until Sunday.
Source: News24
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.