An outstanding feature of the ANC's national conference has been the playlist of revolutionary songs that delegates belt out, from the crack of dawn to late at night.
Regardless of the blazing Limpopo sun, pouring rain, and calls for order by the party chairperson, the delegates sing. Loudly.
Dedela abanye (Give others the opportunity) sang a group standing a distance away from the polling booths where delegates where choosing between Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki for their new party president.
Far enough from the polling booths not to be in contravention of voting rules, they sway perfectly in time, appearing not to be bothered by the soaking rain running off their noses.
"It's important, it motivates people," said Godfrey Mavundla, chairperson of KwaZulu Natal's Bhambatha region, standing under a thorn tree with his umbrella.
"The African warriors, when they went to fight, they used to sing to take their spirits higher and higher."
When Mbeki presented his political report on the first day, delegates listened politely, while some even dropped off.
However, as soon as he had finished reading, the song popularised by Zuma, Awulethu Umshini Wami, started up again.
"These are revolutionary songs, they tell us where we come from," said ANC Youth League member Zamane Mokoena from KwaZulu Natal.
At the initial registration, the groups supporting Mbeki and Zuma had their own Idols face-off while waiting for their tags.
Zuma supporters sang Intliziyo kaZuma ingcwlwe sesizocasha kuyona (The heart of Zuma is clean, it's where we will make our pleas).
The Mbeki contingent countered with a song that said "Thabo is the only one who can lead the ANC; no one will lead with corruption".
Another pro-Zuma song is My President, accompanied by clapping, while Mbeki's supporters have "Mbeki Sikhokheli" (Mbeki lead us).
Many reporters say they find it hard to resist dancing to the catchy tunes. They find themselves humming the songs while they work.
However, many of the songs, even though they are traditional, like Umshini Wami, are not supposed to be sung at the conference, in the interests of avoiding division.
But, whether the delegates are in the main marquee or queueing in the cafeteria, they sing.
Late into the night, singing can be heard from the university's residences.
And delegates walking home sing the songs to themselves, like the old maskanda strolling minstrels. - Sapa