MAP: ANC to march against racism

Hundreds of ANC supporters have gathered at Burgers Park from where they will march to the Union Buildings. 

Marchers are clad in their party regalia and T-shirts reading 'Hands off Zuma'.

This man from the East Rand spoke about his experiences and said racism needed to be addressed.

Supporters will be led by ANC Secretary General Gwede Matashe where a memorandum will be handed over to President Jacob Zuma at the Union Buildings.

The ANC said the country has seen an upsurge in incidents of racism disguised as freedom of speech. 

According to the ANC the march is not a form of protest, but rather aims to facilitate a conversation amongst South Africans. 

Tshwane Metro Police said they were ready for the march.

"We have deployed our members along the route. We have deployed our members at Burgers Park. We have deployed our members at the Union Buildings," Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said.

Mahamba urged motorists to avoid the CBD, but if they find themselves in the area, motorists should be patient.

Several streets in the CBD will be affected from 09:00 to 16:00. 

The march will move from Burgers Park to the Union Buildings via Lilian Ngoyi and Madiba Streets. 

The streets that intersect with Lilian Ngoyi and Madiba Streets will temporarily be closed and opened as the march proceeds. 

The following intersections around the Union Building will be closed: 

- Hamilton and Pretorius Streets

- Hamilton and Stanza Bopape Streets

- Hamilton and Johannes Ramokhoase Streets

- Hamilton and Edmond Streets

- Stanza Bopape and Leyds Streets

- Stanza Bopape and Wessels Streets

Jeff Masemola and Thabo Sehume Streets will also be closed.

Edited by Suné du Toit