Johannesburg - EFF leader Julius Malema is a role model, a teenage supporter said at the party's post-election celebration on Saturday.
“Julius Malema is like a father to me,” said 14-year-old Jaqueline Mojela.
“I want to follow in his footsteps.”
She said she looked up to him, and that it was a time to celebrate.
Mojela was called onto the stage to address a few hundred Economic Freedom Fighters supporters at Innes Free Park in Sandton on Saturday.
The crowd cheered when she finished talking and many adults ran to give her a hug.
“I love this girl with all my heart,” said one woman.
Hundreds of EFF members gathered at the park to celebrate the party's election results.
Supporters and members wore red shirts, jumpsuits and the party's trademark berets and gathered on the grass.
A red marquee tent had been set up next to the stage with white chairs and couches inside.
An announcer told the crowd: “Today we are here to celebrate and have fun.”
Some went close to the stage to take pictures and record cellphone videos.
Others took shelter under trees while young and old were dancing in circles as songs played on loud speakers.
People brought camping chairs, cooler boxes and blankets.
Malema was due to address the crowd shortly.
The party placed third in the 2014 general election, securing 6.35 percent of the vote with 1,169,259 votes. - Sapa