Gauteng Guardian Editor, Naledi Modise

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma’s famous song, Indelendlel’ esiyihambayo, meaning it is going to be quite a long week, is the perfect depiction of the events around him over past few days.

As he readies himself for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) he will deliver on Thursday (today) in Cape Town, he faces criticism on a number of platforms.

During a media briefing held by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) last week, party leader Julius Malema promised the country an eventful week and threatened to disrupt the address if Zuma did not apologise openly for axing the former Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene.

Malema vowed to give Zuma a hard time this week if the president did not acknowledge his error.

On Tuesday, thousands of EFF members marched to the Constitutional Court around the Nkandla debacle. Zuma faces a challenge from opposition parties over the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela’s probe he unduly benefitted from funds spent on upgrading his home.

This comes after Zuma confirmed to settle the long-running dispute.

Thus, in this edition of Gauteng Guardian, we focus on the massive “pay back the money” march conducted by EFF members as well as the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the Constitutional Court in Joburg.

February is considered to be a month of love, couples can also look forward to a Valentine’s weekend as Johnny Clegg performs live in Emperors Palace and the Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz festival will be taking place in Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre.

On the sports front, we feature in-form Mamelodi Sundowns player, Khama Billiat, who is leading his team’s charge towards the title, as well as Stuart Baxter on his return to coaching.