[LIVE] United opposition defy rains to stage anti-Zuma protest in South Africa

Opposition parties in South Africa are going ahead with plans to protest against embattled President Jacob Zuma despite a downpour in parts of the country.

South Africans from all walks of life have converged for what has been dubbed the ‘National Day of Action’ – which incidentally coincides with the President’s birthday.

Nine opposition parties led by the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) resolved on Monday (April 10) to hold protests against President Zuma on his birthday.

It is expected to start from the Church Square in the center of the capital, Pretoria, and supposed to finish at the seat of government (Union Buildings).

#NationalDayOfAction has arrived!

Today, we unite with opposition parties & fellow South Africans as we March to the Union Buildings 🇿🇦☝️ pic.twitter.com/X92ZBUw31k

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) April 12, 2017

Unhappy Birthday message amid heightened police presence

Placard wielding protesters are not just calling for the President’s head but they are also addressing issues relating to the President’s 75th birthday.

Additionally, local journalists are tweeting about the heightened incidence of police on the ground along the route of the protest at the destination.

A placard:“Happy Birthday JZ take a permanent holiday.” #NationalDayofAction News24 pic.twitter.com/rZqPg6tHgA

— Iavan Pijoos (Iavan13) April 12, 2017

#NationalDayofAction increased police presence News24 pic.twitter.com/p4O5dD6lJs

— Matshidiso Madia (tshidi_lee) April 12, 2017

SAPS keeping a watchful eye from the sky. News24 #NationalDayofAction pic.twitter.com/9KGYa6TPPr

— Sharlene Rood (ssharim) April 12, 2017

March underway, organizers call for peaceful protests

And we're off. Political leaders holding hands. #NationalDayofAction News24 pic.twitter.com/Q5SpAVepnb

— Iavan Pijoos (Iavan13) April 12, 2017

#NationalDayofAction March gets underway with Malema, Lekota and Holomisa leading News24 pic.twitter.com/J7nhVBew1m

— Lerato Sejake (leosejake) April 12, 2017

Malema urges marchers to follow leaders and routes instructed to them. #NationalDayofAction News24

— Iavan Pijoos (Iavan13) April 12, 2017

#NationalDayofAction EFF'S leader Julius Malema says they want discipline during the march News24

— Jeanette Chabalala (J_chabalala) April 12, 2017

Parties involved in the protest

The DA last Friday organized thousands of South Africans to hit the streets nationwide calling for 75-year-old Zuma’s removal as president.

Other parties involved in the protest include the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Agang SA, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement.

We are united & together we have the power to remove the man who sold our country to the highest bidder!

ZUMA MUST GO #NationalDayofAction

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) April 12, 2017

#ZumaMustGo just arrived at Our_DA gathering spot! pic.twitter.com/8T5trXTArc

— Refiloe Nt'sekhe (RefiloeNtsekhe) April 12, 2017

#EFF supporters singing and dancing around a coffin made out of box with a picture of Zuma on. #NationalDayofAction News24 pic.twitter.com/H4xxrlPWrf

— Iavan Pijoos (Iavan13) April 12, 2017

EFF's red dominating at #NationalDayofAction protest as the crowd grows bigger not bothered by rain News24 pic.twitter.com/pN03NqBi8g

— mahlatse gallens (hlatseentle) April 12, 2017

What caused the latest round of anti-Zuma protest?

The latest round of protests comes after Zuma fired a number of appointees including the ‘respected’ finance minister, Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas in a cabinet reshuffle last week.

The South African rand took a dip after the firing of Gordhan and the economy was downgraded to junk-status by two rating agencies – Fitch and Standard and Poors.

Meanwhile, ruling ANC wishes President Zuma ‘Happy Birthday’

ANC CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY pic.twitter.com/05Yxkqtpsz

— Year of OR Tambo (@MYANC) April 12, 2017

Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo wishes President Jacob Zuma a happy birthday! pic.twitter.com/7zNu53I1Ik

— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) April 12, 2017