Axed president Thabo Mbeki and his former deputy, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, were booed as their arrivals were announced at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.

Mbeki arrived with his wife, Zanele, shortly after his predecessor Nelson Mandela.

He made his way to his seat amidst boos from sections of the crowd, who were singing struggle songs and swaying as they stood at the seats.

Mbeki was believed to be behind the alleged "political conspiracy" against Zuma his backers. Evidence of the alleged conspiracy led to corruption charges against Zuma being dropped before the 22 April election.

Mlambo-Ngcuka went public with her support for the breakaway party from the ANC, the Congress of the People.

She is also the wife of former chief prosecutor Bulelani Ngcuka, who was named as a key player in the alleged conspiracy against Zuma.