ANC Stages 20 Protest Marches Across South Africa
Tens of thousands of African National Congress supporters marched in cities across the country Saturday to protest black factional fighting in Natal province that has claimed thousands of lives.
Official permission was granted for about 20 peace marches planned by the ANC and its allies, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the United Democratic Front, to mark the end of a week of national protest against the violence. Petitions protesting the violence were presented to authorities at various police stations throughout the country.
About 80,000 protesters staged a peaceful march through the streets in the eastern Cape province city of Port Elizabeth. The region is a traditional ANC stronghold.
There were no incidents despite a heavy police and army presence and the sealing off of some roads with barbed wire.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
