The African National Congress (ANC) marked its 113th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony in Cape Town, where party president Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the ANC’s ongoing leadership role in South Africa’s political landscape. The event, held at the Dulcie September Hall in Athlone, brought together party supporters, Tripartite Alliance representatives, and senior officials. It featured a mix of historical reflection and a renewed focus on the party’s future direction, emphasising both the contributions of past leaders and the challenges ahead.
Ramaphosa, speaking at the event, stated that the African National Congress (ANC) would continue to lead South Africa forward. The ceremony took on a sentimental tone, honouring the memories and sacrifices of past anti-apartheid fighters, including Dulcie September, a struggle stalwart after whom the hall was named. September’s assassination in Paris for her anti-apartheid work, along with the stories of nearby activists like Coline Williams and Robert Waterwitch, underscored the historical significance of the venue.
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) president Zingiswa Losi called on the current generation of leaders to honour these sacrifices by continuing the work of improving society. She also highlighted the ongoing social issues in places like Nyanga and Hanover Park, calling for action in the face of rampant violence.
Benson Ngqentsu, a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and ANC caucus representative, marked the occasion as a milestone and urged reflection on the state of the working class. He also hinted at the challenges posed by the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently, starting with the 2026 local government elections. This reflects an ongoing tension between the ANC and its allies, particularly as they reconsider the future of their political partnership.
Throughout the week, the ANC has been engaged in various activities in Cape Town, from special National Executive Committee meetings to visits to key struggle sites like Robben Island. These activities culminated in the Saturday celebration at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, a traditional support base for the party.
In summary, the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebration was a mix of honouring the past, reflecting on the party’s current role in society, and looking forward to the challenges it must navigate in the future, particularly the evolving dynamics within its alliance and the broader socio-political landscape of South Africa.
Benson Ngqentsu, a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and ANC caucus representative, marked the occasion as a milestone and urged reflection on the state of the working class. He also hinted at the challenges posed by the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently, starting with the 2026 local government elections. This reflects an ongoing tension between the ANC and its allies, particularly as they reconsider the future of their political partnership.
