Africa

South African leaders faces increasing calls to resign

Associated Press
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FILE -- In this Oct. 11, 2016, file photo, South African President Jacob Zuma gives a press conference at State House in Nairobi, Kenya. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has sharply criticized Zuma saying "political meddling for private interests" during his tenure has weakened key state institutions and poses a threat to the country's democracy. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi, File) (The Associated Press)

A protester holds a butternut squash painted with an image of South African President Jacob Zuma, during an anti-government march outside a court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Thousands of South Africans are demonstrating for the resignation of President Jacob Zuma, who has been enmeshed in scandals that critics say are undermining the country's democracy. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

Protesters sing during an anti-government march outside a court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Thousands of South Africans are demonstrating for the resignation of President Jacob Zuma, who has been enmeshed in scandals that critics say are undermining the country's democracy. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

Thousands of South Africans are demonstrating for the resignation of President Jacob Zuma, who has been enmeshed in scandals that critics say are undermining the country's democracy.

The protests in the administrative capital of Pretoria on Wednesday came as opposition lawyers argued in court for the release of a state watchdog report about allegations that a business family linked to Zuma sought to influence some Cabinet post selections.

Business executives, religious leaders and others have gathered in a Pretoria cathedral to demand that Zuma quit, while separate rallies are also being held by South Africa's two biggest opposition parties.

Zuma has not commented this week on growing calls for his ouster. He is scheduled to chair a forum in Harare on Thursday with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.