But in the capital, Pretoria, organisers say at least 10,000 people are expected to join the second anti-Zuma march' this time organised by seven opposition parties.
The march will start at Church Square in Pretoria and end at the Union Buildings.
"Take a permanent holiday!" said one protest sign mockingly wishing a happy birthday to Zuma. He paid back some money after the constitutional Court ruled against him previous year. Analysts say the political crisis is making it hard to reform the economy, improve social services and fight crime.
Zuma's recent sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan unleashed a fresh bout of public frustration - as well as unprecedented complaints from senior ANC figures, including the deputy president.
The ANC has since tried to close ranks behind Zuma and has pledged to defeat a no-confidence vote in parliament.
Meanwhile, President Zuma used his 75th birthday celebrations in Soweto to lash out at opposition parties, saying that he is doing well and "has no stress".
For many, frustration with the Zuma government is heightened by resentment that the country's rebirth as a democracy has brought them little economic benefit.
"Zuma is no longer a credible president of South Africa", far-left political leader Julius Malema told the ebullient crowd.
"We are here to defend the future of our children whether you are black (or) white".
Doctor hauled off USA flight says it was worse than Vietnam War
David Dao said the 69-year-old suffered a concussion and broken nose when he was dragged off Sunday's United Express flight. It also exposed a corporate culture in which airlines - and United in particular - have long "bullied" passengers, he said.
Law enforcement agencies estimate that 20 000 people took part in the anti-Zuma march to the Union Buildings on Friday.
"I don't think this is a party thing, it is a governance issue". I saw Zuma as "Despicable Me".
However, opposition parties are taking legal action to try and force a secret ballot.
The president has survived two rounds of no-confidence votes by virtue of the ruling party African National Congress (ANC) being the majority in the parliament.
The DA will continue to use all means available - petitions, parliamentary mechanisms, litigation and will march along with all South Africans en masse across our country until Zuma is gone.
Tens of thousands of people marched on April 7 in major cities including Johannesburg, the economic hub, Pretoria and Cape Town to demand that Zuma quit.
"As you are my leader we continue to tackle those hard issues and I need you to be strong all the time", he said, seemingly referring to the trade union federation's call last week for Zuma to step down.
"I've been called names for years", said Zuma to his supporters gathered under a large tent to celebrate their leader.
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