Afrikaans cheers for Magashule
2010-05-20 16:58
Sasolburg - Afrikaans cheers were unexpectedly used to welcome Free State Premier Ace Magashule to a World Cup prayer meeting in Sasolburg on Thursday.
The crowd was led by a master of ceremonies who shouted over the loud speakers "Haak Vrystaat, haak," (Go Free State, go) to which the crowd repeatedly shouted in unison "Haak".
The phrase was made popular by Afrikaans entertainer Leon Schuster in the 1980s through his popular rugby song Haak Vrystaat, haak.
Magashule was ushered into the Zamdela stadium in Sasolburg just before 11:30 by a large group of dignitaries and bodyguards wearing scarves in the colours of the South African flag.
Thousands of women, mostly in traditional church wear, were awaiting President Jacob Zuma's arrival at the prayer meeting.
A festive atmosphere was created by singers on stage and people dancing and waving South African and ANC flags, while blowing vuvuzelas under a marquee set up on the soccer pitch and the main grandstand.
The crowd, from mainly Free State churches of all denominations, also shouted "Halala, Bafana-Bafana, halala" and "Good luck, Bafana-Bafana, good luck".
"The president is almost here," the master of ceremonies told the crowd in Afrikaans just after Magashule arrived.
Zuma was apparently taking a ride through the Zamdela township before making his way to the stadium.
- SAPA