Anti-Zuma marches: the memes that had us chuckling

South Africans took their anti-Zuma marches seriously on Friday‚ but typically not without a touch of humour.

Social media users took the opportunity to poke fun at the political climate. Many of the memes suggested President Jacob Zuma could not care less what was happening on the streets - he would hold on to power‚ regardless.

This is what Zuma is doing now when the country is protesting #AntiZumaMarchespic.twitter.com/fyQPuVUUOM

— Ian Du Toit  (@woekaawoe) April 7, 2017

Nonke #AntiZumaMarchespic.twitter.com/Uz9Nzs6R2t

— KALUSHI. (@KholoTheBlack) April 7, 2017

Haha im sure this is how #Zuma is today #chilled#AntiZumaMarches#peoplesmarch#zumamustfallpic.twitter.com/eOjAZmvIYj

— Vindictive Wings (@VindictiveFairy) April 7, 2017

One observer noted the potentially awkward situation the marches could cause‚ evoking the well-known proverb‚ “The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

#AntiZumaMarches is like that awkward moment when enemies meet against a common cause for different reasons... pic.twitter.com/LKXBfJLsYM

— Sbu Ndzovela (@SbuNdzovie) April 7, 2017

Amid Zuma’s resilience during increasing calls for him to step down‚ some Tweeters have compared him to Zimbabwe’s ruler‚ Robert Mugabe‚ who has governed the country for over three decades despite turmoil at home.

#AntiZumaMarchespic.twitter.com/BYFnmCIm3p

— Thuso Mosuwe (@_Thuss) April 7, 2017

Zuma : Robs, they want me out. How do you do it? Mugabe : Drink this, it'll rain tomorrow #AntiZumaMarchespic.twitter.com/J20exnQugp

— Njabulo Khoza (@Kelo_KHOZA) April 6, 2017

More than a few tweets referenced a controversial ad Pepsi recently pulled from the airwaves. In the ad‚ Kendall Jenner leaves a photo shoot before joining a Black Lives Matter protest‚ where she hands a can of Pepsi to a police officer in a gesture of goodwill. Criticism swiftly came from around the globe‚ with many pundits saying the ad trivialised the BLM movement.

Even Kendall Jenner made an appearance. #AntiZumaMarchespic.twitter.com/UcoHr2tZuN

— Wasanga Mehana (@Wasanga_Mayhem) April 7, 2017

#AntiZumaMarchesPEPSI IS SOLD OUT PEPSI IS SOLD OUT PEPSI IS SOLD OUT PEPSI IS SOLD OUT YOU ON YOUR OWN FAM. pic.twitter.com/19OBIsmgh1

— Issa Graduate (@SNEH_W) April 7, 2017

Okay guys everyone grab a #Pepsi and head to #LuthuliHouse, those dudes will need a cool beverage soon. #pepsiwilluniteusall

— Nathan Redpath (@KingB_ZA) April 7, 2017

I'm unable! Really unable. pic.twitter.com/pkRtlYLx2E

— Yonela (@YonelaZihlangu) April 7, 2017

However‚ many on Twitter were quick to note the serious nature of the day‚ reiterating the importance of Friday’s marches and their desire for change at the top of the ANC.

Change is coming, either in 2017 or 2019! #AntiZumaMarches#AntiZumaMarch

— David Khasebe II (@FMEvangelist) April 7, 2017

#SAUnites because a united SA is a STRONG SA an undefeatable SA, LET THE #rainbownation shine bright again #AntiZumaMarches

— The sotho guy (@thabopakkies1) April 7, 2017