Supporters (finally) arrive for ANC manifesto launch in Soweto
The 96,000-seater arena is still not yet filled to capacity, but the ANC is confident its members will arrive.
JOHANNESBURG - Thousands of African National Congress (ANC) supporters have started to arrive at the FNB Stadium in Soweto for the party's provincial manifesto launch.
The event was meant to kick off at 11am today.
Look at Us !!! #ThisIsMyANC #ANCGPManifestoLaunch pic.twitter.com/2E2FN9CuwX
— MyANC (@MYANC) June 4, 2016
ANC chairperson Paul Mashatile is expected to address those gathered.
#ThisIsMyANC #ThisIsFNBStadium #ANCGPManifesto pic.twitter.com/VHPodFJ25w
— MyANC (@MYANC) June 4, 2016
President Jacob Zuma is also expected at this afternoon's event.
ANC supporters are dressed in their green, gold and black t-shirts.
Streaming In #ThisIsMyANC forever #ANCGPManifestoLaunch pic.twitter.com/rgLiKQnrql
— MyANC (@MYANC) June 4, 2016
The 96,000-seater arena is still not yet filled to capacity, but the provincial party is confident its members will arrive as the day progresses.
The ANC's Fikile Mbalula says, "We are looking forward to a packed stadium even though the transport takes time to arrive."
Outside the stadium, singing and chanting can be heard as more buses pull in, while the crowd inside the stadium is being entertained by live acts on stage.
Meanwhile, supporters say they are hoping their challenges will be addressed by the provincial leadership.
Unemployed graduate Hector Mbatha says he's hoping to hear solutions to address youth unemployment.
#ANCGPManifesto Hector Mbatha says he would like to hear about plans to address the issue of unemployed graduates.MK pic.twitter.com/64IIus8jkt
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 4, 2016
Mbatha says he is hoping to be spotted by a potential employer while he walks around the stadium carrying a poster with his details, CV and qualifications.
