South Africans gather for nationwide protests against Zuma

FILE --In this Saturday, April 1, 2017, file photo, protesters raise placards against South African President Jacob Zuma in Johannesburg. Protests are planned Friday against the scandal-tainted president after Zuma last week sparked a national uproar when he dismissed the finance minister, who was widely regarded as an effective steward of the economy. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell, File) (The Associated Press)

Demonstrators protest against South African President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, April 7, 2017. South Africans are gathering for nationwide demonstrations against Zuma, whose dismissal of the finance minister fueled concerns over government corruption and economic weakness. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

Demonstrators protest against South African President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, April 7, 2017. South Africans are gathering for nationwide demonstrations against President Zuma, whose dismissal of the finance minister fueled concerns over government corruption and economic weakness. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

South Africans are gathering for nationwide demonstrations against President Jacob Zuma, whose dismissal of the finance minister fueled concerns over government corruption and economic weakness.

Protesters planned marches Friday in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and other major cities to push for the resignation of the scandal-tainted Zuma, who for now retains the support of a ruling party facing an internal revolt against the president.

A protest march is expected to pass near the headquarters of the ruling African National Congress in downtown Johannesburg. ANC members in military uniforms who oppose the protest are posted outside.

The government is appealing for calm and warning people to refrain from violence.

Pravin Gordhan, fired as finance minister in a late-night Cabinet reshuffle a week ago, was widely respected for his anti-corruption stance.