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ANC supporters square off
17/12/2007 10:11 - (SA)
Polokwane - A cheering contest between supporters of ANC president Thabo Mbeki and his deputy Jacob Zuma introduced the second day of the party's national conference in Polokwane.
Two large groups from the rival camps formed up on Monday morning outside the marquee where sessions would be held, singing and shouting.
Earlier rain in the area appeared to have done nothing to dampen their spirit.
"Thabo Mbeki, my president," intoned one group.
Some Zuma supporters standing on the sidelines were unimpressed, saying: "It's just Limpopo and the Eastern Cape."
When the Zuma camp approached the Mbeki supporters, the latter group began booing.
One placard read: "A thousand percent Eastern Cape Thabo Mbeki."
Some of those in the other camp held up newspaper pictures of Zuma.
"JZ for two terms only," read a placard.
Molefi Molefi from the Free State believed Thabo Mbeki would make a comeback during the day. Mbeki supporters weren't intimidated by singing for Zuma, he said.
"We are organised and very well disciplined, like the president of the ANC. We were very quiet yesterday (Sunday) but we have reorganised ourselves and will come back stronger today."
Delegate Menzi Wellington from Gauteng said he was surprised by the earlier rain, because Limpopo was usually very hot. He was looking forward to a long, hard day.
Officials kept journalists outside as delegates began entering the marquee for the second day's proceedings.
- SAPA
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