The ANC has strongly rejected accusations that its supporters will need to bear the financial burden of attending the party's 113th anniversary celebrations in Khayelitsha.
The event, set for January 11, will see President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver the January 8 Statement at Mandela Park Stadium.
In a statement to Newzroom Afrika, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri referred to the claims as unfounded and misleading.
“We dismiss this claim that there is a directive of that nature from the ANC. There is absolutely not such a thing. This was the imagination of a Sunday World reporter,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further indicated that the party intends to pursue the matter seriously, seeking a right of reply and potentially escalating the issue to the Press Ombudsman.
IOL also reported that the ANC vehemently disputed media narratives suggesting that its financially struggling members have been instructed to cover their own travel expenses to the anniversary event.
The speculation arose following reports of the party's difficulties in fundraising and organisation as economic constraints continue to pressure its resources.
This year’s celebration appears to be one of the smallest in over three decades, raising concerns about the ANC’s diminished support base, particularly in a province governed by the DA.
The financial implications for the party and its supporters have sparked widespread discussion about the future of the ANC, especially amid the challenging political landscape it currently faces.
Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to hold its 113 anniversary celebration in the Western Cape as it has ties to the province’s ‘profound struggle against colonialism, slavery and apartheid’.
“This year's celebrations are hosted in the Western Cape, the province that embodies the dual legacies of oppression and resistance… The people of this province have been at the forefront of the fight for justice.”
Mbalula said the event also reaffirms the party’s commitment to the liberation and development of South Africa.
“The January 8 Statement in 1972 was a clarion call to intensify the fight against apartheid, at the height of repression, when the enemy thought we were broken.
“The ANC declared with militant clarity ‘we are unbroken, we are undeterred, we are advancing’. We repeat these words today. As the ANC faces the challenge of rebuilding and renewal, we are unbroken, we are deterred and we are advancing forward,” Mbalula said.
“The African National Congress aims to improve the lives of people who have been neglected in the Western Cape.”
The party is out in full force this week with a number of activities and mobilisation programmes.
Deputy president Paul Mashatile attended a blitz at Lwandle Taxi Rank in Strand and the party visited veteran Alfred Willie.
Mbalula noted the party’s successes stating that under the 30 years of ANC rule, South Africa has upheld its position “as one of the largest most industrialised, technologically advanced, and diversified economies” and that transformative laws continue to be in place - pointing to the Bela Act, investment in energy security, and the role of the Energy Action Plan in the end of load shedding.
“After years of mismanagement and corruption, South African Airways is now debt-free, reporting a positive equity of 4.7bn. Additionally, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has achieved a significant milestone, posting a R472 million profit for the 2023/2024 financial year.
“These accomplishments signal a recovery and demonstrate a positive shift to financial stability and growth for SOEs”.
Mbalula said that the country’s democracy continues to be strengthened, despite ongoing challenges.
“As we head into the next 30 years, we remain determined to achieve even more for the people of South Africa, firmly committed to realising the goals set out in the National Development Plan. These milestones reaffirm our commitment to the principles of the National Democratic Revolution and the pursuit of a better life for all.”
Cape Times