African National Congress (ANC) president Thabo Mbeki and his deputy, Jacob Zuma, showed a united front by dancing together in Witbank on Saturday.
Mbeki and Zuma joined cheering supporters and high-profile ANC members in the stadium in Witbank shortly before 11am.
The pair danced on stage for a few minutes to the sounds of gospel singer Solly Mholo, shortly before Mbeki’s address at about noon at the party’s 95th birthday rally. Several artists were scheduled to entertain the crowd later in the day.
Mbeki was expected to speak on the struggle against poverty and unity within the party. His speech was expected to follow the theme of the day’s programme — ”The year to intensify the struggle against poverty as we advance in unity towards 2012”.
Prayers, songs and messages of support were to precede Mbeki’s speech, and a cake-cutting ceremony would complete the formal part of the programme.
Several high-ranking ANC members, including Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Education Minister Naledi Pandor, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Kader Asmal, were in a VIP section within the stadium. ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula was also present.
Mbeki was seated on stage between Zuma and ANC secretary general Kgalema Motlanthe.
Most supporters were dressed in yellow shirts bearing President Thabo Mbeki’s face.
Lucky Mazibuko (41) said he was at the rally to get direction from Mbeki about the ANC’s future. ”I am an ANC supporter, but I want Zuma to be the next president because he is number two to Mbeki.”
Other supporters were not so vocal about where their loyalties lay. Lillian Mazibuko, no relation to Lucky, said it was a big day because she was finally going to see the ANC’s ”big man”, Mbeki. ”I don’t have any favourites; I just support the ANC,” she said.
About 20 000 supporters were expected to attend the rally at the @lantic Stadium.
Security was tight, with several roads around the stadium blocked off and people entering the venue through metal detectors. — Sapa