African National Congress of South Africa Embraces Renewal During 113th Anniversary Celebration
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Kampala, Jan 12 (NationPress) The President of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasized that the renewal of the ANC is the utmost priority for the year 2025.
His comments were made while presenting the ANC's annual 'January 8 statement' at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, where thousands of supporters came together on Saturday to commemorate the party's 113th anniversary.
In his address, Ramaphosa, who also serves as the President of South Africa, detailed six key actions and initiatives aimed at propelling the nation forward in the coming year. "The renewal of the ANC is our leading priority, while addressing the water crisis, reforming local government, and improving the economy are also critical tasks for this year," he stated.
The ANC, established on January 8, 1912, has been at the helm of governance in South Africa since the first democratic elections in 1994, which marked the end of apartheid. In the 2024 general elections, the party did not achieve an outright majority, resulting in the formation of a Government of National Unity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The results from the 2024 elections signify that we are facing an existential crisis: this is a pivotal moment in which the ANC must either renew itself or face extinction. We must act with increased urgency and determination," Ramaphosa conveyed to the audience.
"Thus, the foundation of our renewal strategy is to enhance the capacity of our movement to fulfill its historical role," he added. "This requires fortifying the ANC's presence in local communities through robust ANC branches that act as developmental hubs, engaging with citizens to tackle their challenges and concerns."
He identified the other five priority tasks as: reforming local governance and ensuring water and energy reliability; accelerating inclusive economic growth to generate jobs; intensifying the battle against crime and corruption while fostering safe communities; promoting a South Africa that is inclusive through national dialogue; and contributing to a better Africa and world.
"The ANC is committed to renewing and rebuilding itself to unite all South Africans and offer clear, decisive, and ethical leadership in achieving these goals," Ramaphosa concluded.
