SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA APRIL 12: President Jacob Zuma during his 75th birthday celebrations at Kliptown on April 12, 2017 in Soweto, South Africa. While giving a speech, Zuma said he would step down if the ANC asked him to do so. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Sandile Ndlovu)
Zero chill.
SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA APRIL 12: President Jacob Zuma during his 75th birthday celebrations at Kliptown on April 12, 2017 in Soweto, South Africa. While giving a speech, Zuma said he would step down if the ANC asked him to do so. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Sandile Ndlovu)
On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma was due to address people of Vuwani on a decision over municipal boundary disputes.
Vuwani has been gripped in protest over the last few weeks, with residents demanding that their area be re-incorporated into the Makhado municipality.
Zuma and Vha Venda king Toni Mphephu Ramabulana met last week and a decision was taken. Zuma was due to announce the meeting’s resolution at a special briefing with residents on Sunday… but he failed to show up.
The Presidency’s official line was that he met with Vuwani stakeholders, but left a community meeting because it was “not representative” of those affected by the establishment of the new municipality.
The situation was extremely tense, with beefed up security – including riot police – present around the tent that had been set up. Des van Rooyen – yes the weekend special minister – was booed while trying to address the crowd with residents chanting: “Zuma, Zuma, Zuma”. Fikile Mbalula was also booed. An SABC radio car was also reportedly vandalised and had its windows smashed.
There were also a few questions over a tent – with catering – apparently costing around R450 000 that had been erected for the now aborted event.
Over on Twitter, the internet had no chill and ripped Zuma’s “leadership” – or perhaps the lack thereof – to pieces, again.
https://twitter.com/MandlaMagidela/status/861215661879701504
How #Zuma entourage watched #Vuwani protest unfold (from the nearby bushes).
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😋😂😋😋😋😋😋😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/GqiTbfKDTu— Uncle Sammy🇿🇦 (@MashSammy) May 7, 2017
From a #Vuwani perspective isn't dis fitting? pic.twitter.com/DDItjrv343
— simphiwe matshoba (@simphiwematsho2) May 7, 2017
The president flee another province today? 😂😩😆 #Vuwani
— RuralTswanaGirl (@_Dineo_M) May 7, 2017
#Vuwani this is NOT my ANC. This is Zuma/ Guptas & Associates Pty Ltd @MYANC
— Giuliana Martini (@giulianamartini) May 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/15Ariyaa/status/861214246759215104
Pres #Zuma s gps coodinates must have sent hin to #Nkandla inatead of #Nandoni sports ground in #Vuwani.@SAgovnews this is a mess https://t.co/QGEUX6uQzz
— Mbudzeni Shandukani (@shandu009) May 7, 2017
Since when is baba igwala. He promised to address #Vuwani residents but uyaslayza last minute.
— Mfundi Mkhulisi (@MfundiMkhulisi) May 7, 2017
#Vuwani "Lalela Des,kuncono khuluma wena nalabantu,mina CHICKEN OUT pic.twitter.com/3rRbyQaQs2
— mpiwe blackberry (@mpiwe_62911) May 7, 2017
At least Zuma knows he's an illegitimate President. He must do the right thing. #Vuwani https://t.co/Tc2HGciPyU
— Zimerian Mokholoane (@Zimerian) May 7, 2017
Deploying Zuma at #Vuwani is like adding Paraffin on fire! the man is incorrigible.
— Sakhi (@sakhiis) May 7, 2017
I abhor violence at all cost, but Zuma must account on this one . Why incite,disrespect and undermine #Vuwani residents ?
— Jan Molomo (@MOLOMOJANCO) May 7, 2017
#Vuwani So The people of S.A are Reducing Zuma to be just A Premier of KZN. pic.twitter.com/5shTMFJk9m
— Likhayalethu (@khayabelani) May 7, 2017
#Vuwani President Zuma was not scared of Apartheid government but scared of his own people😮😮😮😮😮. pic.twitter.com/831WCzgmRE
— Kholeka Kajane😊 (@Kholeka46603503) May 7, 2017
Looking for #Zuma after he Mantashed at #Vuwani pic.twitter.com/49RHu4VnOx
— Mbudzeni Shandukani (@shandu009) May 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/PholoRamothwala/status/861207942795755520
#Vuwani to Zuma come on pic.twitter.com/mltrZ7MgIs
— MATOME (@Mramatla_) May 7, 2017
Pres zuma's convoy should be somewhere around polokwane by now #Vuwani
— Pit Matidza (@Pit_Matidza) May 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/tololodj/status/861207756585521152
#vuwani people looking 4 #Zuma like pic.twitter.com/e3tQMxA14I
— Mbudzeni Shandukani (@shandu009) May 7, 2017