She thanked the Dlamini clan for organising a farewell prayer for her and expressed optimism about the outcome of the conference.
"We'll see how it goes. I am saying we as the Dlamini clan‚ we have made history. I thank you for trusting me and the advice that I should not disappoint the clan and the country."
She was presented with traditional beadwork and a framed photo of her.
Inkosi Fodo Dlamini described Dlamini-Zuma as "gold they were giving to the ANC and you must take it".
"Aunt they chose you because they trust you. When you are elected you must never disappoint these people. But you must work for them and do what the people who elected you want. You must not only look at the Dlamini clan only but the people who elected you."
He said Dlamini-Zuma was "clean and polished" and there was no other person who could change the country.
ANC Harry Gwala regional secretary Sindi Msomi said they trusted Dlamini-Zuma and not because she was a woman but because she was strong and a leader with a good track record.
"We see her as a person who can lead the ANC. We believe that when she becomes the president of the country all departments will function well."
President Jacob Zuma's brother‚ Joseph‚ who came all the way from Nkandla‚ implored the ancestors to be a "veil around you" ‚ saying he wished that Dlamini-Zuma wins "no matter what".
He lauded her running a "fresh" election campaign in the run-up to the conference where she will be running head to head with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
After the prayer‚ Dlamini-Zuma went to a huge white marquee across the road where she was greeted by enthusiastic ANC supporters singing "We are ready for Nkosazana".
The prayer was also attended by public works minister Nathi Nhleko.
