Marikana - Hundreds of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters gathered outside the Wonderkop Stadium near Marikana waiting for the arrival of party leader Julius Malema.
Malema was expected to speak to them on Sunday, thanking them for voting for his party during the general election in May.
The EFF managed to secure more than a million votes in its first election contest. The vote put the EFF in the third spot at the National Assembly.
About 2000 people gathered in front of the stage dancing to music played through giant speakers.
Some stood in a queue of about 2km waiting to collect a free red party T-shirt.
The T-shirts were handed out from a boot of a car parked near the stage. Bold letters proclaiming “EFF member” were printed on them in front and “Thank you for a million votes” was printed at the back.
The stage and three tents were erected on an open space close to the Nkaneng informal settlement.
The police and private security guards monitored the situation from a distance.
Marikana in the North West has been the scene of protracted strikes for a minimum wage of R12,500 by platinum miners. In 2012
in a clash with police 38 people, mainly striking mineworkers were killed. Hopes are high that a settlement might be close to an end in the latest strike.
Sapa