Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast said the January 8 statement would reflect on past struggles and future goals and outline the party's vision for the year ahead.
African National Congress party leaders and supporters will gather in Cape Town this week to commemorate the party's 130th anniversary.
According to Breakfast, crowd size will play a key role for the ANC this year.
“Scale is important because the rationale behind holding these types of events is also to show off power. Because you're here.'' It's a show of strength and power and a statement that you're ready for this year and that you're a powerful organization. ”
“The ANC’s decision to issue a statement on 8 January
The statement in Khayelitsha is born not only from a desire to reconnect with people, but also from our commitment to addressing the everyday challenges they face. ANC aims to improve the lives of people who have been neglected by the environment… https://t.co/LC5G8sv4XP pic.twitter.com/hhsnj5OIny— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 6, 2025
“The January 8, 1972 Statement was a clarion call to step up the fight against apartheid. At the height of the repression, when our enemies thought we were broken, the ANC declared with militant clarity: We will not back down. We are moving forward.” We repeat those words… https://t.co/LC5G8sv4XP pic.twitter.com/2j9KtD94ru
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 6, 2025
Political analyst Asanda Goashen agrees.
Goashen says the party's decision to hold a celebration in the Western Cape shows it is trying to make up for lost ground after last year's elections.
“It's trying to show that it's a party that has national resonance, national relevance and celebrates people everywhere in the country. I know it's low and I think it's good for them to participate, even if it doesn't have the highest response in the Western Cape.”
Video | Political analyst Asanda Goashen says the ANC cannot afford to abandon any part of the country.
