Key Takeaways:
- The African National Congress (ANC) is celebrating its 114th anniversary, with a focus on service delivery and addressing the challenges faced by South Africans.
- The party’s January 8 statement, to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will set the tone for the year ahead and outline the ANC’s priorities and political messaging.
- The statement is expected to focus on the upcoming local government elections in 2026 and the party’s efforts to regain support and trust from voters.
- The ANC has promised to "do things differently" and improve service delivery, with a focus on addressing the needs and concerns of ordinary South Africans.
- Tensions between the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP) continue, with the SACP planning to contest the municipal elections independently.
Introduction to the ANC’s 114th Anniversary
The African National Congress (ANC) is celebrating its 114th anniversary, with a series of events and activities taking place in the North West province. The party’s January 8 statement, to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is expected to reflect on the year that was and outline the ANC’s priorities and political messaging for the year ahead. The statement is a significant event in the democratic period, and it has morphed into a precursor to the State of the Nation address. According to ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, the party’s focus is not so much on talk but rather on service delivery interventions.
The Significance of the January 8 Statement
The January 8 statement is a significant event in the ANC’s calendar, and it sets the tone for the party’s programme for the year ahead. The statement reflects on the challenges faced by the party and outlines planned interventions under a chosen theme. This year’s statement is expected to focus on the upcoming local government elections in 2026 and the party’s efforts to regain support and trust from voters. Political analyst Dr Ongama Mtimka notes that the statement will provide a lot of detail on what the ANC can offer to South Africans, including trustworthy candidates at a ward level who meet the criteria that people have been wanting to see from ANC politicians.
Ramaphosa’s Message on the ANC’s Anniversary
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says the party’s anniversary is not just a celebration of its longevity, but also an opportunity to charter solutions to the many challenges South Africans continue to face. Ramaphosa led a cake-cutting ceremony in Rustenburg to mark 114 years since the organisation was established. He emphasised that as the ANC continues to age, it must not lose sight of its responsibility to serve the very people who elected it into power. Ramaphosa also acknowledged the issue of potholes in the North West, saying that it should not be made to seem like it is only prevalent in the province.
The ANC’s Promise to "Do Things Differently"
The ANC has once again promised to "do things differently" when it comes to delivering services, as it marked its 114th anniversary. ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane said that as the party celebrated 114 years of its existence, it had resolved to change the way it operated, particularly in improving service delivery. Mokonyane pledged that the party would focus on addressing the challenges that people continue to face, and that the ANC’s birthday celebrations must place a strong focus on service delivery interventions.
Tensions between the ANC and the SACP
Tensions between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) continue, with the SACP planning to contest the municipal elections independently. The SACP has been part of the Tripartite Alliance with the ANC and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) for decades, but it has threatened to contest elections independently due to disagreements with the ANC. The ANC still wants the SACP to reconsider its decision, but the SACP remains firm on its plan to contest the elections independently.
Service Delivery Challenges in the North West
The North West is an ANC stronghold, but the party has been forthright about the governance challenges in the province. Residents in the province have raised concerns about poor service delivery, including a lack of access to basic services such as water and electricity. Some residents have been forced to take matters into their own hands, repairing damaged roads and infrastructure after years of inaction by the municipality. The ANC has acknowledged the challenges and has promised to improve service delivery, but it remains to be seen whether the party can deliver on its promises.
Conclusion
The ANC’s 114th anniversary celebrations have provided an opportunity for the party to reflect on its past and outline its vision for the future. The party’s January 8 statement is expected to provide a clear direction for the year ahead, with a focus on service delivery and addressing the challenges faced by South Africans. While tensions between the ANC and the SACP continue, the party remains committed to its renewal agenda and its efforts to regain support and trust from voters. As the ANC looks to the future, it must deliver on its promises and demonstrate its commitment to serving the people of South Africa.