By Buziwe Nocuze
- Thousands of EFF supporters have packed a Cape Town stadium to celebrate the party’s 12th birthday with music, merchandise and Julius Malema.
- The Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium is overflowing with Economic Freedom Fighters supporters dressed in red and singing loudly despite long queues and heat
The Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium is overflowing with Economic Freedom Fighters supporters dressed in red and singing loudly despite long queues and heat.
Julius Malema is expected to speak later, while party fans enjoy live music, buy T-shirts and feast on sausages and snacks.
Thousands of Economic Freedom Fighters supporters from across the country have gathered at Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium in Cape Town for the party’s 12th birthday celebration.
The stadium is packed with people dressed in red, singing, dancing and chanting party songs. The atmosphere is electric, with supporters arriving early and queueing for hours to get in.
By midday, the party’s leader Julius Malema had arrived, and the celebrations were in full swing. He is expected to deliver his speech later in the day. Before the national anthem was sung, party officials told the crowd they would not be singing the Afrikaans section.
Many took the opportunity to make money. Stalls selling red T-shirts, hats and other EFF gear were everywhere. Food vendors also cashed in.
One woman selling sausages said she had already sold 10 buckets before 12:30. “Most of my customers are supporters who were drinking on the way to Cape Town. I’ve made a lot of money,” she said.
Mandla Bhotwana, who was selling EFF hats, said: “I don’t regret arriving at 8 in the morning. I’ve already made a lot of money.”
The crowd is being entertained by some of South Africa’s top musicians including Big Zulu and Big Nuz. Spirits are high and the event shows no signs of slowing down.
Pictured above: EFF supporters pack the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium in Cape Town to celebrate the party’s 12th birthday.
Image source: Buziwe Nocuza
