The African National Congress marked its 114th anniversary. Honouring its founding in 1912 as Africa’s oldest liberation movement. The main celebrations took place in Moruleng, North West, where supporters, leaders and communities gathered for the traditional January 8 rally.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the annual January 8 Statement at Moruleng Stadium. His message centred on unity, renewal and action. He called on members to reconnect with communities and restore trust through better service delivery, job creation, economic growth and strong local government. He also warned against forces that threaten democracy and urged the movement to stand firm on its values.
Leaders stressed that this anniversary was not just a birthday. It was a moment of reflection. The ANC faces a new political era after losing its outright parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections. The message from the podium was clear: the organisation must change, listen and serve better.
Attendance figures drew mixed reactions. Party officials said around 20,000 people attended, while some reports showed empty seats and raised questions about mobilisation. Outside the stadium, some supporters expressed frustration over logistics, highlighting the everyday challenges the party must address.
Despite these tensions, the spirit of the day carried both pride and urgency. The ANC celebrated its rich history of struggle and freedom, while openly admitting that renewal is no longer optional.
At 114, the movement stands at a crossroads. The anniversary became a powerful reminder that its future depends on honest self-correction, unity of purpose, and visible service to the people it was created to serve.
