The streets of Cape Town city centre were alight with protest earlier today as various political parties marched in the lead up to the secret ballot vote, held today.
WATCH: What will be the outcome of the vote of no confidence?
The march, which began at Keizergracht lot and ended at Parliament was spearheaded by various big name opposition parties, namely the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Congress of the People (COPE), the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Freedom Front, African People’s Convention (APC), Agang SA and the African Independence Congress (AIC).
Also in attendance were civil society movements like Save SA, Zuma Must Fall, The Organisation Against Tax Abuse (OUTA) and the Freedom Movement.
Members of Parliament (MP’s) from the present political parties were seen addressing the crowd moments before they went into the House to cast their vote.
“President Jacob Zuma is turning our country into a banana republic, looting and pillaging the resources of the country for a very cheap plate of curry, “added the general secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Zwelinzima Vavi, in his reference to Zuma’s relationship with the Gupta family.
EFF leader, Julius Malema, also rallied the crowd’s attention as he stated: “We thank you for coming and putting your differences aside. We promise to do everything in our power to address him and make sure he goes.”
The proceedings were concluded with DA leader Mmusi Maimane’s speech that got the crowd of a few thousand to their feet.
“We know you have travelled from far and near to bring the message that ‘Zuma Must Go’. Today no matter what you are we are united behind that message. We all deserve a better South Africa, “remarked Maimane.
Maimane, Malema, EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and others were seen singing and holding hands pre-vote, as crowds cheered and joined in the singing.
The results of the vote have yet to be released.
WATCH: Financial implications of a successful vote of no confidence