Scores of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party members have descended on the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the night vigil that the party has organised, starting on Friday night until Saturday morning.
According to the party, the purpose of the night vigil is to hold a “national prayer and Union Buildings spiritual cleansing for president Jacob Zuma”.
Zuma is expected to deliver a keynote address later on Friday night or Saturday morning.
Dressed in MK Party’s green, black and gold regalia, the MK Party members were seen singing and dancing to struggle songs next to the stage set-up for the event.
The official programme of the night vigil had not yet commenced as people were slowly trickling into the Union Buildings.
Stalls selling party regalia
There were also people who set up stalls where they were selling food and MK Party regalia.
Some were even selling energy drinks branded in the MK Party colours and logo.
Speaking to Sunday World on the sidelines of the event, MK Party Gauteng provincial spokesperson Bafana Mahlabe said the purpose of the night vigil is to pray for the MK Party leadership. To also pray for Zuma and a peaceful May 29 general national and provincial elections.
Mahlabe said he cannot confirm whether Zuma will address the night vigil on Friday night or Saturday.
He could also not confirm what time Zuma was expected to address the night vigil.
“I cannot confirm that [when and time Zuma will speak]. The people who are running the official programme will be in a position to tell us,” said Mahlabe, while laughing lightly.
Several MK Party members at the event expressed their excitement for the night vigil.
Zolani Mdontswa, 50, from Pretoria, said he supports the MK Party because it is the “right party” to bring about change in South Africa.
“I am happy to be here. A lot of bad things have happened in this country. We need change. MK Party is the right party to bring about that change,” said Mdontswa.
Joey Sithebe, 55, from Rustenburg, North West, echoed the same sentiment.
No police presence at the Union Building
“We have been suffering for the past 30 years. We struggle with reliable water provision where I stay in Rustenburg. The MK Party has shown that it can resolve the basic service delivery issues in the country,” said Sithebe.
Esther Mbobo, 68, from Kagiso, said her “heart” is with the MK Party and she believes in it.
“At my age I should be at my place sleeping. But I am here to support the MK Party because it is the right party to help black people. I cannot wait to see Zuma speaking. I want to see his lips moving,” said Mbobo.
No members of the South African Police Services or Tshwane Metro Police Department could be seen around Union Buildings.
