Deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, embattled ANCYL president Julius Malema and Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale arrived at a rally in Limpopo on Sunday afternoon.
While they received a noisy welcome, some people in the crowd could be heard singing songs disapproving of Malema and Motlanthe, but pro President Jacob Zuma.
The rally, which is part of the African National Congress Youth League's centenary celebrations, was supposed to start at 10am.
The Nkowankowa Stadium, outside Tzaneen, was packed to capacity by 11.15am, but the main speakers arrived almost three hours later.
Also present were Limpopo MECs Pinky Kekana, Dickson Masemola and Soviet Lekganyane.
There was a festive atmosphere at the stadium, with stalls selling ANC and SA Communist Party memorabilia doing brisk business.
Recorded songs praising Malema and calling for Motlanthe for president were played over the sound system and shouts of “Viva Malema” and “Viva Limpopo” reverberated through the stadium, as did the calls: “Are you ready for President Malema? Are you ready for President Motlanthe?”.
Dancers entertained the crowd.
Police manned the entrances to the stadium and ANCYL members conducted body searches. - Sapa