AP

Foreign delegates and heads of state listen to South African President Jacob Zuma address the crowds gathered for the ANC 100th anniversary celebrations in Bloemfontein. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Hundreds of people pushed, shoved and shouted in a sweaty crush to get into the Free State Stadium before the ANC’s centenary rally officially got under way on Sunday– but by the time President Jacob Zuma ended his lengthy speech, the stands were practically deserted.

A combination of up to 40°C heat and the tedium of the speech after a long wait, followed by rain, had people starting to leave the stands before the end of the event.

Dense crowds pushed and shoved in vain at several entrances during the morning, prompting police to use Nyala riot vehicles to block off some of the gates.

The stadium, which holds 48 000, was about 90 percent full and overflow venues were filling in the blazing midday heat in Bloemfontein, where the party’s three-day 100th birthday bash entered its climax.

But despite pleas from Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, who was the MC at the event, for people to stay on to enjoy musical and other events planned for later in the evening, the stadium was all but empty within minutes of the first drops of rain.

Music blared from massive speakers as the clouds burst and rain came pouring down, interrupting the valiant efforts of cleaning staff who faced the mammoth task of tidying up the empty stadium.

Although rain is traditionally viewed as a blessing in Africa, it was expected to put a damper on a scheduled fireworks display.

Earlier streets around the stadium were packed with supporters, some selling food and party paraphernalia from impromptu stalls set up on pavements. Police and marshals were hard-pressed to keep order .

Inside the stadium, the mood was jovial, the stands a sea of mainly yellow ANC T-shirts, with patches of red worn by SACP members.

A giant steel arch provided some shade for the massive stage constructed in the middle of the rugby pitch, while the ANC leadership was shaded by green umbrellas.

ANC Youth League president Julius Malema’s arrival just before 2pm sparked singing from a section of the crowd: “Malema, my president.” Perhaps deliberately, he wore a plain white shirt, but had an ANC cloth draped over one shoulder.

There were big cheers – but some booing – for party secretary-general Gwede Mantashe when he arrived.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe got a rousing welcome, as did SACP leader Blade Nzimande.

But the biggest roar met Zuma, who walked around the perimeter of the pitch, flanked by a running phalanx of camouflage-clad MK veterans and marshals.

Party chairman Baleka Mbete was quick to impose discipline, warning those who booed him that they could be removed.

“Comrades in that corner – it’s not impossible for you to be thrown out if you want to upset our celebration,” she warned.

After the strains of the national anthem had died away, prayers and blessings were delivered – including one from Rabbi Warren Goldstein.

While ANC chaplain general Vukile Mehana made a reference to the country’s other faiths, tweets questioned why there had been no word from Muslim or Hindu religious leaders.

US politician and self-proclaimed “preacher of the gospel” the Rev Jesse Jackson wished the “new South Africa” a happy birthday.

Former president Thabo Mbeki who, along with ANC veteran Ahmed Kathrada, handed over the centenary torch, was given a rapturous welcome. The flaming torch will travel around the Free State before moving to the Western Cape and then to other provinces.

“It will help our people remember our history and what our sacrifices have been,” said Mbete.

Introducing Zuma as he prepared to speak, Mbete said it was important to remain “deeply conscious” of the ANC’s illustrious line of presidents, of which Zuma is the 12th, “that you follow”. - Political Bureau