The African National Congress (ANC) will host its founding anniversary and public functions with a cake-cutting ceremony in Sembalethu, George this afternoon.
The event comes ahead of a commemorative rally scheduled for Saturday at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats.
The ANC is celebrating its 113th anniversary and celebrations will officially begin with President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to Robben Island.
The ANC's visit to Nelson Mandela's prison cell on Robben Island symbolizes the lasting legacy of sacrifice and struggle for freedom. President Ramaphosa standing in the very spot where Mandela was imprisoned reflects the ANC's continued commitment to justice, unity and… pic.twitter.com/NlhobzYMvc
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 8, 2025
Renewal
ANC political education committee member Thembeni Nsangisa said the party had remained resilient and committed to rebirth despite the challenges, and credited the party's leadership for building a strong foundation. said.
Nzangisa was speaking at the Waihook Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein, where the party was founded in 1912.
“The ANC has not been without challenges and problems over its 113 years. What is encouraging is that over that period, the ANC has established systems and methods to address and deal with them. The ANC is now an organization of the masses, which is why it is undergoing a process of organizational renewal aimed at bringing the ANC back to the people.
He added: “When the ANC was formed, its main purpose was to unite all Africans under the banner of the African National Congress and to create a united South Africa, a democratic South Africa; “The aim was to ensure that this was achieved,” he added. Africa is non-racial, non-sexist and the wealth of the country is developed and growing to embrace everyone. Therefore, as we celebrate today, we reflect on all the historical moments and activities that have brought the ANC to where it is today. ”
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa places a stone at the Robben Island lime quarry where Nelson Mandela and freedom fighters toiled under harsh conditions.
“To remember Madiba and to remember the formation of the ANC. ANC Happy birthday and to remember your formation and… pic.twitter.com/hG3EzTgmDX
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 8, 2025
Today, we celebrate the 113th anniversary of the African National Congress, the continent's oldest liberation movement.
For more than a century, the ANC has been a symbol of resilience, unity, and the unwavering fight for justice, equality and freedom.#ANC113… pic.twitter.com/ZDPqsEBvid
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 8, 2025
Video | Mr Nzangisa said the ANC's umbilical cord was preserved at Waihook Wesleyan Church.
