Striking Impala mineworkers sang liberation songs while awaiting for ANC Youth League president Julius Malema at Freedom Park near Rustenburg on Tuesday.
Malema was expected to hold a consultative meeting with them on working conditions in the mine and the nationalisation of mines.
“A go lowe, ke leng re bua? (let's fight, how long have we been talking?)” the crowd sang when Malema had not arrived by 11am.
He had been expected to address the workers by 10am.
Public order police held shields and batons as they watched the singing crowd near the stage. Four armoured police vehicles were standing by with their engines running.
Many workers said they regarded Malema as a “true leader”.
“He is the one who can help us in our struggle,” said Abbey Sibanyoni, 48. “Malema is a true leader, that is why we want him to hear our problems,” she said.
“With Malema we will win,” said worker Kenneth Kubu, 38, against the background of revolutionary songs.
The crowd waved placards calling for Malema to intervene in their strike.
“Our president Juju help us, we want money, not percent,” read one placard.
Another read: “Next president of SA, we want money and nationalisation of mines.” - Sapa