Pretoria March Demands Ramaphosa Resignation

Motorists in Pretoria have been urged to prepare for major traffic disruptions on Friday, as the Defend South Africa movement stages a National Shutdown march to the Union Buildings.

Traffic Disruptions Expected as Protestors March to Union Buildings

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has confirmed that several central streets will be affected when the march kicks off at 10:00 from the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad. Demonstrators will proceed along Struben Street, turn onto Nelson Mandela Drive, then continue along Stanza Bopape Street toward the Union Buildings. The march is expected to end at 13:30.

TMPD and SAPS officers will be deployed to monitor the protest and ensure public safety.

Operation Dudula will join the #CyrilRamaphosaMustFall march

Come join us tomorrow. #DefendSouthAfrica #CyrilRamaphosaMustFall #VATIncrease | 1% VAT | pic.twitter.com/wqwdQO3U8V

— Defend South Africa (@DefendSouthAfri) April 3, 2025

Roads to Avoid and Suggested Alternative Routes

Roads that will be affected include:

• Struben Street

• Cowie Street

• Kgosi Mampuru Street

• Bosman Street

• Sophie de Bruyn Street

• Paul Kruger Street

• Thabo Sehume Street

• Lillian Ngoyi Street

• Du Toit Street

• Nelson Mandela Drive

• Madiba Street

• Hamilton Street

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes such as:

• Eskia Mphahlele Drive

• Nana Sita Street

• Francis Baard Street

• WF Nkomo Street

• Bloed Street

Shutdown Linked to Political Discontent and Governance Issues

The protest, which organisers say will draw over 500 participants, is motivated by widespread frustration over governance under President Cyril Ramaphosa. A petition released ahead of the march lists grievances such as high unemployment, rising crime, failure to address gender-based violence, and lack of public consultation on immigration issues.

It also questions unresolved allegations tied to the CR-17 campaign and the Section 89 Panel’s findings. The petition argues that Ramaphosa’s presidency has contributed to national instability and calls for his immediate resignation.

Organisers Warn of Unrest if Demands Are Ignored

A widely circulated message from the movement threatens further unrest, including disruptions to airports, ports, and transport services, if their demands are not met. It also warns of violence targeting taxis allegedly controlled by the so-called “Stellenbosch mafia,” and hints at a campaign to destabilise the country unless leadership changes are made.

Names reportedly floated in alleged secret meetings to appoint an interim president include Julius Malema, Thabo Mbeki, and Patrice Motsepe. However, major organisations like the EFF and the National Taxi Alliance have publicly stated they are not involved in the march.

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Sourced:The Citizen

Picture: X/DefendSouthAfri