The African National Congress (ANC) is to host a heroes’ day celebration in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The event will mark the 47th anniversary of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), the party’s former military wing.
By Tuesday morning workers could be seen preparing a podium at the Phahameng cemetery in the Free State capital prior to the proceedings.
It is expected that a march and drill performance by uniformed former MK soldiers will move from the heroes’ acre to the Seisa Ramabodu stadium, about 5km from the cemetery.
In Phahameng small groups of people could be seen moving in the direction of the Seiso Ramabodu stadium.
ANC President Jacob Zuma is expected to address the rally.
Buses started arriving early in Bloemfontein for the celebrations as well as for an election rally by new political party, Congress of the People (Cope).
Cope, which is in the city for its inaugural conference, will hold its election rally at the Bloemfontein cricket stadium on Tuesday afternoon. — Sapa