Sea of yellow cheers for Zuma

President Jacob Zuma is flanked by treasurer-general Dr Zweli Mkhize and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC rally at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday (January 12 2012). Picture: Khaya Ngwenya

Thousands of ANC supporters cheered for President Jacob Zuma as he took the field at King’s Park stadium in Durban for the party’s 101st anniversary celebrations.

Zuma walked along the edge of the field, smiling and waving at the crowds, who in turn danced and applauded him.

The stands at the stadium were a sea of yellow – the colour of ANC T-shirts.

Members who could not find a place to sit were moved to an uncovered side of the pitch.

A row of security officials and soldiers prevented the crowd from storming a covered area on the field.

The celebrations were threatened by rain earlier today, but the downpour abated later in the morning.

A white plastic floor had been erected over the rest of the pitch as most of the ground was waterlogged.

The advertising hoardings around the stadium were draped with ANC flags.

A large stage was erected on one side of the pitch. It also provided covered seating for the ANC’s national executive committee members.

Zuma was expected to deliver the ANC’s “January 8” statement during the celebrations.

The statement traditionally details the party’s direction and tactics for the upcoming year.

The ANC was formed on January 8, 1912 in Mangaung (Bloemfontein).

In 2012, the party held its centenary celebrations as well as its national conference in Mangaung.

Zuma was re-elected as leader of the ANC at the national conference.

- Sapa