Protests in South Africa ahead of no-confidence vote against Zuma

Protesters on Tuesday took to the streets of South Africa's main cities ahead of a no-confidence motion against President Jacob Zuma who is facing accusations of corruption.

In Johannesburg, a group of protesters blockaded the streets with burning tyres and stones. It was unclear if they supported Zuma or were demonstrating against his administration, reports Efe news.

Johannesburg metropolitan police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane said the protests spreading across the city "appeared to be coordinated".

Meanwhile, more than 25,000 demonstrators were expected to join the marches both against and in support of Zuma in Cape Town, where South Africa's parliament is located.

In the capital Pretoria, a similar situation was expected to take place, with authorities warning that the protests were likely to cause traffic chaos.

Lawmakers were, for the first time, set to vote through secret ballot on a no-confidence motion against the 75-year-old president, who has survived six similar votes, although they were all held in public, since he assumed office in 2009.

To oust Zuma, at least 50 of the 249 lawmakers of the country's ruling party, the African National Congress, must vote against Zuma, in addition to all opposition MPs in the 400-seat parliament.

The no-confidence vote was proposed back in April when Zuma controversially fired finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

--IANS

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