SCORES BRAVE RAIN TO HEAR MANDELA AND ZUMA AT ANC IDUTYWA RALLY
Scores of African National Congress (ANC) supporters today (Sunday, 15 February 2009) braved heavy downpours in the Eastern Cape's Idutywa and thronged into the rural town's half-sheltered taxi rank to chant, dance and listen to the organisation's President, Jacob Zuma, and former President Nelson Mandela.
In an historic show of confidence in the ANC - in the run-up to the 2009 elections - Mandela, who was accompanied by his daughter Makaziwe, grandson Mandla and grand daughter Ndileka, arrived at the rally to get a tumultuous welcome from the crowds amid the rendition by popular artist Winnie Khumalo of the song: "Ndiyo kuhlala ndi nje. Ndiyi ANC (I will remain ANC)".
The ANC rally, originally scheduled to be held at the Idutywa Sports Stadium, had to be moved to the taxi rank open area due to heavy rains.
Madiba - as he is affectionately known - rose to wave at ANC supporters and made remarks that dispelled any doubts on his political loyalty. Mandela: "Nxamalala (Jacob Zuma) has already spoken. Mine is simply to greet you. Despite the rain, you have all come here in numbers to show your commitment to the ANC. May you (ANC) live forever. Long live the ANC!"
Also present to greet ANC supporters, was Rivonia Treason trialist Andrew Mlangeni.