Cheers for Zuma

AFP

President Jacob Zuma

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Durban - Thousands of ANC supporters cheered for President Jacob Zuma as he took the field at King's Park stadium in Durban for the party's 101st anniversary celebrations.

Zuma walked along the edge of the field, smiling and waving at the crowds, who in turn danced and applauded him.

The stands at the stadium were a sea of yellow - the colour of African National Congress T-shirts.

Members who could not find a place to sit were moved to an uncovered side of the pitch.

A row of security officials and soldiers prevented the crowd from storming a covered area on the field.

The celebrations were threatened by rain earlier on Saturday, however the downpour abated later in the morning.

A white plastic floor had been erected over the rest of the pitch as most of the ground was waterlogged.

The advertising hoardings around the stadium were draped over with ANC flags.

A large stage was erected on one side of the pitch. It also provided covered seating for the ANC's national executive committee members.

Zuma was expected to deliver the African National Congress's “January 8 “ statement during the celebrations.

The statement traditionally details the party's direction and tactics for the upcoming year.

The ANC was formed on January 8, 1912 in Mangaung (Bloemfontein).

In 2012, the party held its centenary celebrations as well as its national conference in Mangaung.

Zuma was re-elected as leader of the ANC at the national conference. - Sapa