Supporters of the African National Congress (ANC) arrive at the Mandela Park sports complex in Khayelitsha. The party will celebrate its 113th anniversary there.
Siyarangana Emandera Park Stadium!
Let's wait for President Cyril Ramaphosa's statement on January 8th.
The gate is open!
⁰Don't miss out on more celebrations, unity, and powerful messages. ✊🏾🖤💚💛#ANC113anniversary#ANC January 8 statement#Ramaphosa speaks… pic.twitter.com/BOMYmeQ31C— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 11, 2025
Party bigwigs have been criss-crossing the Western Cape all week in preparation for today's big celebrations. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to release the party's statement for January 8 at noon today.
There is a heavy police presence around the Mandela Park sports complex, and the ANC expects at least 22,000 members to be there.
Khayelitsha is an ANC stronghold in a state ruled by the Democratic Alliance (DA) since 2009.
A long line began to form outside the venue, with many people occupying their seats.
Happy birthday to ANC! 🖤💚💛#ANC113#ANCJanuary 8th#ANC January 8 statement pic.twitter.com/MJl2XPfZX5
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 11, 2025
Mr Ramaphosa is expected to speak about the party's renewal and plans for this year.
Meanwhile, Sindiswa Masumpa, the regional secretary of the ANC Women's Federation in the Durra Omar region, said the party celebrating in Cape Town's Khayelitsha was a sign that the women were returning to their roots.
Masampa says excitement is building because supporters appreciate the ANC's presence among the people.
“Khayelitsha is very special because the people who vote for the ANC are there. So the ANC brought it back to the people, to its roots, to the basics. This is why Athlone doesn't either. This time, there has been a change in the NEC's belief that the ANC must go to the people.”
