Johannesburg - Scores of ANC supporters are singing and dancing at OR Tambo International Airport in anticipation of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's return from Ethiopia.
Dlamini-Zuma ended her term ended as chairperson of the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
Flight ET808 from Addis Ababa is estimated to land at the airport 12.50pm on Wednesday.
Supporters decked out in ANC Youth and Women's Leagues gear are singing struggle and pro-Dlamini songs at the National Key Point.
It's Black, Green &Gold @ortambo_int as @MyANC supporters sing & dance for @DlaminiZuma return @IOLPolitics @ReporterStar @IOL @TheStar_news pic.twitter.com/r2s5pcInGd
— Luyolo Mkentane (@luyolomkentane) March 15, 2017
A huge welcoming party is planned for Dlamini-Zuma at Midrand from 3pm. She has received support from some sections of society and from within structures of the ruling party to succeed President Jacob Zuma, who steps down as ANC leader in December.
. @MyANC supporters singing and dancing as they await return of @DlaminiZuma from her stint at the #AfricanUnion @IOLPolitics @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/hFMN2fqwiH
— Luyolo Mkentane (@luyolomkentane) March 15, 2017
Zuma is seen as preferring Dlamini-Zuma to ascend to the Presidency instead of his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa. Earlier this year, Zuma said the country was ready for a woman president.
Dlamini herself has said it would be a major setback for Africa’s developmental agenda if she didn't ascend to the throne, saying: "We are saying in Africa there must also be women presidents."
Her supporters believe that now that Dlamini-Zuma would be in the country full time, that would give her ample time to focus on her ambitious campaign.
@luyolomkentane