KZN MKMVA deploying 600 vets to 'defend Luthuli House'

The DA had initially planned to march to the ANC headquarters on Friday, but after IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi advised against it fearing clashes, the DA decided to march instead to the Mary Fitzgerald Square in the Johannesburg CBD, just a short distance from the ANC headquarters.

Chairperson of the KZN MKMVA, Themba Crosby Mavundla told reporters in Durban today that vets would defend the ANC with their lives.

"The members that will be dispatched from this province to go and defend Luthuli House will be given that instruction. No enemy plays in Luthuli House. [They must] not even come close to Luthuli House. That's being provocative. We've never marched to any opposition parties' offices. As much as we hate and distaste [sic] the DA, we've never marched to their offices," he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC says South Africans have every right to march on Friday as it's their democratic right.

Yesterday, the ANC Youth League held a rally Gauteng's East Rand and threatened those planning to joining the DA march in the Johannseburg CBD, saying they will be waiting for them with sjamboks and other weapons.

Speaking in Johannesburg today, ANC Deputy Secretary-General Jesse Duarte said they condemn violence.

"Let me make it clear that the ANC does not support any ANC member who may believe that they may have a right to sjambok people in any march anywhere. So, we hope that no one from the ANC, or anyone pretending to be from the ANC will be out there with sjamboks. People have a right to march and they should if the wish," she said.

Marches have also been planned by various civil society groups, including Save SA.