The African National Congress ( ANC) turned 114-years-old on Thursday.
The oldest liberation movement in Africa was formed on January 8 in 1912.
“We celebrate this milestone with humility, gratitude, and renewed determination. For more than a century, the ANC has stood as a
trusted home of the people, born from the collective will of Africans to resist oppression, reclaim dignity, and build a just society,” said National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.
She said at 114, the ANC reflects honestly on its journey.
“We acknowledge our victories and our shortcomings. We recognise the pain and frustrations experienced by many of our people, particularly in relation to unemployment, inequality, and weaknesses in local government delivery.”
“ These realities weigh heavily on our conscience as a movement that
exists to serve. Yet this anniversary is not a moment of despair, it is a moment of renewal and hope, a collective
resolve and renewed determination to continue with our vision of a better life.”
She said throughout their history, the ANC has risen in its most difficult moments by listening to the people, correcting its course, and recommitting itself to the values that define it: unity, selflessness, discipline, and service.
“From the darkest days of colonialism and apartheid to the dawn of democracy, the ANC has repeatedly demonstrated an
unmatched capacity to renew itself in the interests of the people.”
“We enter this new phase guided by the understanding that renewal is not a slogan but an action that requires decisive leadership, ethical governance, organisational discipline,
and a relentless focus on improving the daily lives of South Africans.”
She said the 114 anniversary was a reminder that the ANC was never built for comfort, but for struggle; never for power, but for
service.
“The road ahead demands courage, honesty, and collective effort. We approach it with confidence, knowing that when the ANC reconnects with its mission and its people, it rises. The African National Congress is rising, not away from its past, but towards its purpose.”
The ANC will celebrate its historic birthday in Moruleng near Mogwase on Saturday.
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the January 8 Statement.
The January 8 Statement outlines the ANC’s priorities for the year.
According to a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) deployed to North West province Njabulo Nzuza, this year’s focus would be on the coming municipal elections.
The ANC is facing difficult election in the Rustenburg municipality and the Bojanala region following the formation of three new political parties–Rustenburg People’s Party, Purple Party Ikageng and Lethabong Service Movement
Two other parties Forum 4 Service Delivery and Botho Community Movement merged with Herman Mashaba led ActionSA to increase its support base.
The ANC rules the Rustenburg local municipality with the help of the Economic Freedom Fighters after it failed to win an outright majority in the 2021 municipal elections
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