President Cyril Ramaphosa during the visit in Robben Island, Cape Town. Image credit: @CyrilRamaphosa
(The Post News)- Today, the African National Congress (ANC) commemorated its 113th anniversary with events steeped in reflection, unity, and commitment to its founding values. Leading the celebrations in the Western Cape, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa began the day with a poignant visit to Robben Island, a historic symbol of the party’s long fight for freedom.
Accompanied by key ANC leaders, including Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, the day’s activities paid homage to the sacrifices made by anti-apartheid icons. Robben Island served as the starting point, where President Ramaphosa placed a stone at the lime quarry, a site where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters endured gruelling conditions during their imprisonment during the apartheid era.
In his remarks to the press, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula highlighted the day’s significance, stating, “Today, as we celebrate and remember, we thank the people who have supported the ANC as their organisation. By coming to Robben Island, we retrace the steps of those who inspire us to never forget where we come from. We continue to strive for unity, non-racialism, and prosperity for South Africa.
“ANC National Spokesperson, Cde Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, echoed these sentiments: “On this day, 113 years ago, a giant was formed. It is our responsibility to maintain the ANC as an organization that leads the people to freedom and liberation.
”ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, accompanied by NEC Member Nobuhle Nkabane, further paid homage to past leaders by leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of the late Regional Chairperson Danny Manie in Grabouw, Overberg Region.The day concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Athlone Civic Centre, where Ramaphosa addressed supporters. He reflected on the ANC’s long journey, from its founding under John Dube in 1912 to becoming the leading force in South Africa’s fight for liberation.
Ramaphosa reminded attendees of Nelson Mandela’s symbolic visit to John Dube’s grave in 1994, an act that cemented the ANC’s commitment to preserving its history. “The ANC will rise again to its original status as the leading organisation in the country,” he affirmed. Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of rebuilding trust in the ANC, acknowledging challenges while committing to continued efforts for transformation.
“This is a special moment for the ANC as we recall its formation 113 years ago. From 1912 to 1994, we struggled for freedom, and while we have achieved much, there is still much to be done,” said Ramaphosa.
The ANC’s 113th birthday celebrations will culminate on Saturday in Khayelitsha, where thousands of ANC supporters are expected to gather to hear President Ramaphosa deliver the January 8 Statement.
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