Thousands of ANC supporters gathered in Bloemfontein on Tuesday for the 45th Anniversary of former ANC military wing Umkhonto weSizwe (MK).

Present at the celebrations at Seisa Ramabodu stadium were various prominent ANC figures.

Among them was ANC president Jacob Zuma, ANC deputy general secretary Gwede Manthashe and ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.

Various ANC national executive members, the general secretary of Cosatu Zwelinzima Vavi, and several local Free State ANC politicians were also attending the celebrations.

The stadium was packed with ANC supporters wearing yellow and red T-shirts with Zuma's photo printed on the front, urging votes for the ANC.

Earlier Zuma laid a wreath at the hero's acre at the Phahameng cemetery in Bloefontein where MK cadres are buried.

Zuma was expected to address the crowd at the stadium.

Sapa