Johannesburg – The National Freedom Party (NFP) issued a stern warning on Tuesday, to its members to not take part in Wednesday's march to the Union Buildings. The party said those opt to march should refrain from wearing NFP party colours.

"As the leadership of the NFP in Gauteng, we urge our loyal members of the organisation to desist from participating in protest marches that are clearly aimed at undermining the constitution of the Republic, which gives the President of the country full powers to appoint and fire ministers," said provincial secretary Sabelo Dlamini.

"While we won’t stop any person from exercising their right to protest, we discourage wearing of party regalia. Those that would be found in defiant of this order will be dealt with accordingly...we will use all internal disciplinary mechanisms to deal with them."

Opposition parties such as the Economic Freedom (EFF), Democratic Alliance (DA), the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP), the Congress of the People (Cope) and the African People's Convention (APC) have organised a national march for Wednesday in Pretoria to call for President Jacob Zuma to resign.

Thousands of people are expected to take part and march to the Union Buildings. Wednesday is Zuma's 75th birthday, with celebrations set to take place in Kliptown, Soweto.