The ANC kicks off its political calendar this week with its annual anniversary celebrations in the Western Cape, a province that has been governed by the party’s former rival-turned-coalition partner, the DA, since 2009.
During the ANC’s 113th celebrations, which will take place at a Khayelitsha stadium in the Cape on Saturday, president Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to set the tone for the party for the rest of the year.
The anniversary celebrations come ahead of the ANC’s national general council meeting, scheduled for later this year, where the party will take stock of its policies after losing its electoral majority for the first time in three decades. The loss resulted in the formation of the government of national unity (GNU).
It follows a decision by the ANC’s leftist ally, the SA Communist Party (SACP), to contest local government elections independently in 2026 for the first time in 30 years. This may result in a further electoral decline for the ANC, which has previously relied on votes from SACP members.
SACP leaders such as Gwede Mantashe, Blade Nzimande, David Masondo, Thulas Nxesi and the late Pravin Gordhan served in the government for years, despite the party announcing periodically that it was considering contesting elections on its own to take up the plight of the working class and poor.
Throughout the week in the lead-up to the anniversary celebrations, various ANC leaders will be spread across the Western Cape with the aim of drumming up support for the event.
On Monday, the SACP will hold the 30th annual commemoration of anti-apartheid activist Joe Slovo, where secretary-general Solly Mapaila is once again expected to reiterate the party’s decision to contest elections independently of the ANC. Mapaila is also expected to outline the party’s stance against the formation of the GNU which includes the DA, UDM, GOOD, Al Jama-ah, Patriotic Alliance, PAC and Freedom Front Plus, among other parties.
The SACP, which has campaigned for the ANC since SA’s first democratic elections in 1994, has become increasingly critical of the ANC’s track record in government and has spoken out against state capture, malfeasance, maladministration, looting and poor service delivery.
The outcomes of the Sadc Organ Troika Summit aimed at discussing the post-election political and security situation, held on Sunday, are expected this upcoming week.
Regional leaders have called for dialogue to resolve the deadly protests in Mozambique, which threaten regional stability.
SA’s neighbour is experiencing a political crisis after its disputed October elections. The latest wave of unrest began last Monday when Mozambique’s highest court upheld the victory of Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo.
SA minister of international relations & co-operation Ronald Lamola last month called for calm and dialogue after his bilateral meeting with Mozambican authorities over the conflict.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.