Cape Town - Fin24 journalist Matthew le Cordeur, who was locked in Parliament with politicians ahead of the mini budget on Wednesday, caught the mood of the top brass, as well as sneaking some shots of the #feesmustfall protest from an office window.
Journalists get confidential access to the mini budget hours before the finance minister begins his speech in Parliament to ensure the media can publish content at the same time. This means journalists are under police guard from around 07:00 to 14:00, the time when the minister delivers his speech.
At 10:00 journalists were given two hours with Treasury and other politicians who answer questions posed by the media.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas arrive for the media briefing.
Treasury director general Lungisa Fuzile at the briefing.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande came to the briefing. Interestingly, he had little to say. Even more fascinating was that it was Gordhan - and not Nzimande - who went to speak to the protesting students, with little security between him and the students. He told Parliament that they sent a message that students want to be heard.
Meanwhile, outside Parliament ...
These photos of #feesmustfall protesters were taken from the fourth floor of the media building at Parliament, where journalists were in the lock-up.
After a coffin with a photo of Blade Nzimande was set alight at the main entrance to Parliament, police set about pushing the students away, throwing stun grenades, shooting rubber bullets and spraying water. This out-of-focus shot depicts the chaos in the air.
The students gone, politicians chat post-mini budget ...
EFF leader Julius Malema was a popular figure with media and others clamouring around him for a chance to engage with the firebrand leader.
Former finance minister Trevor Manuel and current incumbent Pravin Gordhan chat with other politicians and business leaders after Gordhan's mini budget speech.