The committee, which comprises mineworkers and the Democratic Socialist Movement, is behind the series of strikes in the platinum belt and the gold fields.

The workers, who come from various mines in the Rustenburg area, started arriving by bus, on foot and by car as early as 9am this morning.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has been invited to speak at the rally.

A similar rally, organised by Cosatu a fortnight ago, was marred by violence when marchers were attacked by a group believed to be opposed to the National Union of Mineworkers.

There have been no violent incidents so far, and the stadium is reverberating to the boisterous singing of the workers.

Police are keeping a strong presence outside the stadium.