The African National Congress (ANC) is set to commemorate its 113th anniversary on Saturday, marking over a century of fighting for the liberation and development of South Africa, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This year’s celebration will take place at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, a prominent township in the Western Cape, where the party will focus its efforts on addressing the issues faced by those who have long been ‘neglected’ in the region.
The anniversary celebrations will include a variety of activities, with the highlight being the main January 8 Statement rally. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the crucial address, which traditionally sets the party’s tone and outlines its plans for the year ahead.
His speech will also reflect on the state of both the ANC and South Africa, providing insight into the path the party intends to take in its ongoing mission to address the country’s most pressing challenges.
January 8 statement: A unifying call to action
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula emphasised the significance of the January 8 Statement, a tradition dating back to 1972 under the leadership of the late ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo.
He explained that the statement has become a cornerstone of the ANC’s calendar, serving as a guide for the organisation and reaffirming its commitment to the liberation and development of South Africa.
‘This annual message has become the cornerstone of the ANC’s calendar, providing direction for our organisation and reaffirming our commitment to the liberation and development of South Africa,’ Mbalula stated.
He described the January 8 Statement as a unifying call to action, addressing the nation’s challenges and inspiring the people to strive for a better future.
Reflecting on the ANC’s legacy and ongoing challenges
As the ANC celebrates its 113 years of existence, Mbalula acknowledged the party’s critical role in South Africa’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid.
The organisation’s leadership played an instrumental role in securing the country’s democratic breakthrough in 1994. However, he also recognised the persistent challenges that continue to affect South Africa, including the enduring legacies of economic inequality, high unemployment, poverty and racial divides.
‘While the ANC led the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, resulting in the democratic breakthrough of 1994, we also acknowledge the challenges that remain, particularly the enduring legacies of structural economic apartheid, unemployment, poverty, and inequality,’ said Mbalula.
Focusing on the Western Cape: A commitment to change
In a bold move, the ANC has chosen to celebrate this year’s anniversary in the Western Cape, a province currently governed by the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Mbalula explained that the decision stems from the party’s concern over persistent inequality in the region, particularly in areas like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, where black, coloured, and Indian communities continue to face significant challenges such as high crime rates, unemployment, inadequate housing and poor access to basic services.
‘The ANC’s decision to deliver its January 8 statement in Khayelitsha stems not only from a desire to reconnect with the people but also from our commitment to addressing the daily challenges they face,’ Mbalula added.
Key milestones and achievements
Mbalula also reflected on several key milestones for the ANC in recent years, highlighting the party’s transformative efforts in various sectors. One such achievement was the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act by President Ramaphosa in September 2024.
This significant step aims to transform South Africa’s education system, improving access to quality education despite opposition from the DA and other organisations.
Another notable success for the ANC was the work of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which managed to save the South African Government an impressive R8 billion in the 2023/24 financial year.
Mbalula shared that R2.28 billion had been recovered, and R2.32 billion in potential losses had been prevented due to the cancellation of irregular contracts.
Noteworthy recoveries include R710 million from Transnet, R500 million from Eskom, and R191 million from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The SIU also conducted 583 criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority, ensuring that individuals are held accountable for misuse of public funds.
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Picture: Fikile Mbalula / Facebook
