Johannesburg – Despite the social media criticism under the hashtag #DontFillUpOrlandoStadium, the African National Congress managed to fill to capacity the 40,000-seat Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, for its 105th birthday celebrations on Sunday.
Don Nkomo started his day in the early hours of the morning.
The 75-year-old vendor got to Orlando Stadium in Soweto at 2am to start setting up his food stall.
“We sell where we can. At soccer games and big events like this one,” said Nkomo.
He works with his son Lungile, who also arrived early from Bellevue East to make sure the day would go without a hitch.
Before they could set up, they had to first wait for the officials to check their items and the hygiene of their equipment. Then they were given a location to set up their stations.
“I specialise in chips and kotas, and the braai meat and pap specials. It’s not always a profit but we try hard. It’s also very dependent on the people and what they are looking for. It’s always a gamble.”
By the time President Jacob Zuma was done with his speech, business had started to pick up for Nkomo.
His vocation has sustained him for 10 years, and he intends to continue with it.
When Rita Mkele, Nosihle Mkhulisi and Amanda Nozombile weren’t singing their favourite Struggle songs outside the stadium, they were changing into various outfits to suit their mood.
“Our freedom was fought for, this is the only organisation that truly recognises a rainbow nation. I will never join any other party, no matter what,” said Mkele.
Though Matshidiso Sekele and Zandile Nkosi were also big fans of the ANC, they said they wanted Zuma to step down.
“We really hope the party cleans itself up. We want economic emancipation, free education and our land back – all in our lifetime,” said Sekele.
The women chose to dress in military colours for the event, signifying their fighting spirit.
Some of the older women and grannies who were at the stadium shared some of the same sentiments.
Mankopane Sempe and Maki Dingalo both said they would always support the ANC because it afforded them the opportunity to take their children to no-fee schools and be part of feeding schemes.
There were also several dance groups that were providing entertainment.
The Maja Ntja Sesotho traditional group said they danced to keep their culture alive.
“We practise every day for three hours. We get a great reception at the different events we perform at,” said group leader Mpolokeng Nhlapo.
At One Nation House of Art, the girls and boys who learn drama, poetry, pantsula dance and traditional dance are always expressing themselves.
At the celebration yesterday, they got the crowd going while practising their dance moves before heading out to entertain the crowd.
Dance teacher Mathabo Dyasi said the group was formed in 2001 and had been going strong since then.
“It’s all about keeping them busy and away from negative influences like drugs, crime and teenage pregnancy,” he said.
The group is based in Meadowlands, Soweto, and performs often at weddings, concerts and parties.
Despite the overcast weather, many people who came to support the ANC and celebrate stayed on through the rain.
Some bought branded clothing and caps to keep the rain at bay and others ran for shelter inside the stadium.
The ANC started celebrating its January 8 birthday in exile in 1972, under the leadership of its former president Oliver Tambo.