ANC delegates gathered at the Turffontein race course in Johannesburg on Thursday evening for the party's provincial nomination conference.
The ANC's traditional black, green and gold were barely evident on the delegates' clothing as most were dressed casually.
Before the conference began, members from the Ekurhuleni region sang about former African National Congress president Oliver Tambo, and held up two fingers, symbolising a second term for President Jacob Zuma.
They later sang in favour of “Msholozi” - Zuma's clan name.
The Gauteng provincial executive committee had previously decided to ban t-shirts with slogans or images supporting candidates, or songs that derided them.
A few female delegates began to cheer after provincial chairman Paul Mashatile entered the venue.
They then rolled their hands in a motion associated with calling for the substitution of a soccer player. This gesture is linked to the call for ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe to replace Zuma at the ANC's national conference in Mangaung.
When Mashatile introduced himself to the delegates, all cheered, except those from Ekurhuleni. Several rolled their hands.
“I am happy when you are singing and not insulting anyone,” Mashatile said. - Sapa