The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s oldest liberation movement, is celebrating its 114th anniversary today. Party President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Rustenburg, North West, where the main celebrations will take place this weekend.
The ANC has faced significant challenges, including service delivery failures and allegations of corruption, which led to the party losing its majority in Parliament for the first time in South Africa’s democratic history after the 2024 general election. Despite this, it remains the largest party with over 40% of the vote.
ANC January 8 Birthday Celebration in Rustenburg on Weekend
ANC Treasurer-General Dr Gwen Ramokgopa stated that the party will use its anniversary celebrations to reflect on its achievements and shortcomings. She accompanied Ramaphosa to a fundraising golf game in Sun City, Rustenburg.
The January 8 Statement, to be delivered by Ramaphosa, is a key event on the ANC calendar, reflecting on the party’s history and setting out its priorities for the year ahead.
The ANC leadership has described the 114th anniversary as a call for discipline, renewal, and collective responsibility. Supporters are urged to honour the legacy of the organisation’s founders by working together to address today’s challenges.
Ramaphosa’s schedule includes a door-to-door campaign at Seraleng village and a meeting with Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi. The ANC’s national and provincial leadership has been engaging in various activities in the North West ahead of the celebrations.
The party faces growing public pressure to improve performance in government, strengthen internal unity, and rebuild trust with communities. Political analysts see the anniversary as a key moment for the ANC to reaffirm its values and reconnect with the people.
The main celebrations will take place at the Moruleng Stadium outside Rustenburg on Saturday, with thousands of members and supporters expected to attend.
ANC Will Reflect on it’s Achievements anf Failures Since 1994
The ANC’s January 8 Statement traditionally reflects on the movement’s history and sets out the party’s priorities for the year ahead, addressing issues like jobs, the economy, service delivery, unity, and good governance.
The party is using the anniversary to mobilise its base and encourage citizens to engage with its vision for South Africa’s future.
Ramaphosa’s initiatives in Rustenburg aim to rekindle enthusiasm among ANC supporters and assure voters that their voices will shape the party’s direction.
The ANC has planned an extensive programme, including speeches from key leaders, cultural performances, and a focus on unity and progress.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently convened in Rustenburg to discuss organisational discipline, factionalism, and the party’s strategy for the upcoming local elections.
The ANC’s 114th anniversary comes at a critical juncture, with the party facing challenges and seeking to reclaim its mantle as the center of South Africa’s political life.
The party’s future direction and ability to address contemporary issues will be under scrutiny as it celebrates this milestone.
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