Johannesburg - Members of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God arrived in buses, cars and on foot for their Good Friday service and to hear President Jacob Zuma speak at Ellis Park stadium, Johannesburg.
Traffic towards the venue was gridlocked. Metro police officers and security guards had their hands full directing traffic and managing the thousands of people eager to enter the stadium.
A large group of ANC Women's League members, clad in their signature green and black uniform, were received with a thunderous applause as they walked on to the pitch.
The group sat behind a stage set up on the pitch.
Singer Unathi Msengana and other musicians and dancers performed for the congregants as they waited for proceedings to start.
They performed music genres ranging from classical music to hip-hop and dance.
The service was billed to start at 9am, but only got underway after 10am.
Zuma is expected to speak at the event. - Sapa