South Africa's Day of Reconciliation is likely to turn into a political battlefield in Bloemfontein as the African National Congress (ANC) and its breakaway compete for votes in the run-up to 2009 general election.

The Congress of the People (Cope) has already revealed that it's second highest support base is in the Free State, which is an ANC stronghold.

Cope claims to have 74 000 members in that region, and is expecting to garner more support by "earning it".

"The challenge arising out of our current membership figures is to turn this ...into both voters and foot soldiers of Cope in the forthcoming general elections," he document said.

Ruling party members, however, did not seem to mind the competition and even resorted to plastering posters advertising their mass rally on light poles outside the University of the Free State, which is the location of Cope's launch.

Just 24 hours before both political events, the ANC announced a gala dinner to be held at Bloemfontein's City Hall apparently to "raise funds for the families of those who perished in combat" years ago.

ANC spokesperson Teboho Sikisi said the dinner was in line with the 16 December rally to commemorate the 47th Anniversary of Umkhonto We Sizwe Veterans Association (MKMVA), the then military wing of the ANC.

Party president Jacob Zuma and controversial ANC Youth league president Julius Malema were due to address the guests after 7pm on Monday.

On Tuesday, the ANC is expected to hold commemoration service by uniformed members of the association at the Phahameng cemetery.

According to a detailed programme, ANC members were thereafter expected to march to the Seisa Ramabodu stadium.

After midday, Zuma and several others, were due to address the crowds.