Zuma, thousands of ANC supporters retake ANC pledge

08 January 2015 - 18:32 By Sapa
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President Jacob Zuma meets and greets residents in Mandela Street in Philippi ahead of the ANC's 103rd birthday celebrations in Cape Town. File photo.
President Jacob Zuma meets and greets residents in Mandela Street in Philippi ahead of the ANC's 103rd birthday celebrations in Cape Town. File photo.
Image: ESA ALEXANDER

President Jacob Zuma, ANC office bearers, and thousands of supporters retook the party's pledge during a mini-rally in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Thursday.

They were participating in celebrations marking the ANC's 103rd birthday.

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane led "fellow comrades" in reciting the pledge.

"I, Nomvula Mokonyane, solemnly declare that I will abide by the aims and objectives of the African National Congress as set out in the Constitution," she read.

Zuma was expected to deliver a speech.

Earlier, supporters, mostly locals, ululated and chanted when Zuma entered the OR Tambo hall accompanied by national, provincial, and local ANC leaders.

The crowd erupted in song and opted for Zuma's "Awuleth'u Mshini Wami" song to welcome him. They chanted "run, Zille, run", referring to Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille.

Several supporters were left outside the packed hall, and vendors were doing steady business selling ANC T-shirts and hats.

The Khayelitsha mini-rally is being held to commemorate the actual January 8 anniversary of the ANC.

The celebrations will culminate with a main anniversary rally at the Cape Town stadium on Saturday.

About 52,000 people are expected to be bussed into Cape Town central to attend the rally.

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