Opposition launches Freedom Movement
Leaders of political parties, labour unions, civil society and religious organisations have launched the Freedom Movement as part of attempts to remove President Jacob Zuma from office.
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The announcement was made at the Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto.
Political analyst Prince Mashele said the movement also aims to protect the Constitution, restore power to the people of South Africa and protect their hard-won freedom, and to safeguard the state.
The newly-launched movement will gather at Freedom Park on 27 April, which is celebrated as Freedom Day.
Mashele said the gathering received the support of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa's (Fedusa) Dennis George said it is important for all South Africans to unite, despite their different backgrounds or affiliations.
"At the end of the day, it is the working people of this country that will suffer. The economy is being destroyed and if we don't stand together as South Africans and unite to fight and we call today for President Zuma to step down, that we must have a plan of action," said George.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader Mmusi Maimane said one person cannot hold all the power over 55 million South Africans.
"What is critical going forward is that the collaboration between political parties, civil society, religious groupings and trade unions take to the streets to communicate to South Africans that this is our country and we must reclaim it," said Maimane.
United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa said members of the political parties who support the movement are encouraged to join the gathering on Freedom Day.
"We know that when President Zuma was in trouble he came up with phrases like Radical Economic Transformation, but we know that it is nothing else than radical procurement for friends and families and we need to stop this behaviour," said Holomisa.
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