Earlier, members of the Ses'Khona People's Rights Movement were pushed back by police when they tried to march to the parliament buildings in the coastal city of Cape Town, South African media reported. The group told reporters they were demonstrating over a number of issues, including racism.
A few kilometers away, politicians and dignitaries arrived at parliament amid tight security. Undeterred by the chaos in the city streets, they walked a red carpet to the doors of parliament, many dressed in designer gowns and suits.
Zuma offered to pay back some money in a concession to critics, who accuse him of violating the constitution.
The president is also under pressure to explain why he fired Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene in December, a move that unsettled investors and further weakened the national currency.
South Africa is struggling with slow economic growth.