PRETORIA – Several civil society movements plan to march to the Union Buildings in Tshwane today, Mandela Day, demanding the resignation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The protest, organised by Defend South Africa and the United Civic Movements, will begin at 10 a.m. from the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad and proceed to the Union Buildings.
The groups accuse Ramaphosa’s administration of failing to tackle major issues facing South Africans, including rising unemployment, poverty, crime, illegal immigration, corruption, and the recent Phala Phala scandal.
Unemployment has reportedly worsened during Ramaphosa’s term, with overall rates climbing from 29.1% in 2019 to 32% in 2024, and youth unemployment rising sharply to 58%.
The protest organisers say the country is facing a crisis, pointing to a struggling economy, uncontrolled borders, and a failing police service. They demand action against corruption and illegal immigration, and call for the president to step down.
Ramaphosa responded in his weekly letter, defending the commission of inquiry into police corruption as a necessary step to restore trust and uphold the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has given Ramaphosa a deadline of 9 a.m. on Friday, July 18, to resign or face a motion of no confidence.
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