Businessmen, sportsmen, academics and traditional leaders came out to endorse the ANC's manifesto and pledge their support for the ruling party at a gala dinner addressed by party president Jacob Zuma in Johannesburg on Saturday night.
Speaker after speaker pinned their flags to the ANC's mast, promising to help the ruling party to a decisive victory in the pending elections.
The star of the night - besides Zuma - was respected Soweto businessman Richard Maponya. Walking with the aid of a stick and supported by Transport Minister Jeff Radebe, Maponya received a rousing welcome that rivalled that given to Zuma, who was accompanied by Deputy President and ANC national chairperson Baleka Mbete.
The ageing Maponya appealed to the guests packed into the Sandton Convention Centre to encourage everyone to vote for the ANC. "The 2009 election is as important as the 1994 elections. I want to appeal to you, even if you are sick and are in the hospital. You must please ask that the ambulance must take you to the next voting station," said Maponya, to rapturous applause.
A surprise endorsement of the manifesto came from former ANC treasurer Mendi Msimang - one of former president Thabo Mbeki's closest allies. Msimang is the husband of Minister in the Presidency Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, and was known to be particularly angry about Mbeki's recall by the party.
SA Football Association president Molefi Oliphant also pledged his organisation's support for the ANC.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) boss Leonard Chuene indicated that although he did not have the consent of all sporting bodies under ASA, his organisation also supported the ANC.
Black Management Forum president Jimmy Manyi and Business Unity South Africa boss Jerry Vilakazi also threw their weight behind the ruling party.
Responding, Zuma said the ANC was "strengthened" by the support pledged.
He outlined the party's manifesto, highlighting its five key priorities for the next five years - better education, more jobs, improved healthcare, fighting crime and boosting rural development.