By Buziwe Nocuze
- The ANC celebrated its birthday at Mandela Park stadium in Khayelitsha where President Ramaphosa promised party revival.
- Local supporters say they need more than promises, demanding action on jobs, crime and service delivery.
The ANC drew large crowds to Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, over the weekend to celebrate its 113th birthday.
However, supporters made it clear they wanted to see tangible changes in their lives.
President Cyril Ramaphosa told the crowd that 2025 would be “the year of renewal” to make the party more effective for the people.
“The African National Congress’s strategic objective has not changed, but we pursue this objective under the condition that we no longer have the majority to form a government on our own but in cooperation with other parties,” said Ramaphosa.
Some supporters at the event remained sceptical. Nomalungisa Mdingi, 40, said the party must deliver on its promises to win back power.
Another ANC member, who asked not to be named, was even more critical: “I don’t see the party regaining power again; they don’t seem like the party that wants its supporters back.
“We want them to create jobs, end crime in our communities, and improve service delivery, which they failed to bring during all those years they were in power. Coming here and talking without results means nothing to us; we want change.”
Ramaphosa acknowledged the party’s challenges and reiterated its commitment to regaining public trust and returning as the majority party.
“In the meantime, we will work with other political parties, even those with whom we have fundamental differences, to secure space for addressing the needs of our people as articulated in our 2024 manifesto,” he said.
Ramaphosa dismissed claims that collaborating with other parties had compromised the ANC’s principles.
“They think that we have changed and are no longer the ANC of home; we remain the ANC with our principles. We are very clear on what we stand for,” he said.
He outlined the party’s key objectives for 2025: “The renewal of the ANC remains the number one priority while resolving other challenges, such as fixing local government and the water crisis in the country. These are the challenges we need to continue to address.”
The party awarded its highest honour, the Isithwalandwe, to three veterans: Nkosinathi Benson Fihla, Dr Mana Ramakaba Lesiea and Dr Tou Theopholis Cholo.
The event also featured performances by popular artists, including Khuzani, Makhadzi, Jaziel Brother, Jumbo and Zee Nxumalo.
Pictured above: ANC celebrates 113th birthday in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
Source: Buziwe
