The African National Congress (ANC) has sought to defend its reasons for holding its 113th anniversary and January 8th statement at the at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Western Cape.According to the party’s Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, the province is still experiencing inequalities and most previously disadvantaged communities are still neglected, by the ruling Democratic Alliance.
“In areas like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain; Black, Coloured, and Indian communities continue to face rampant crime, unemployment, inadequate housing, and poor access to basic services. The ANC’s decision to deliver its January 8 statement in Khayelitsha stems not only from a desire to reconnect with the people, but also from our commitment to addressing the daily challenges they face. The ANC aims to improve the lives of people who have been neglected in the Western Cape,” said Mbalula, who was addressing the media in Khayelitsha.
In addition, Mbalula is confident that by bringing the January statement to Khayelitsha, will serve as a testament that the party want to address the challenges faced by those neglected and improve their lives. Mbalula told the media that ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the statement, which would set the tone for the party’s programme for the year ahead and reflect on the state of the movement, the country and the path forward.
“The tradition of the January 8 Statement began in 1972, 60 years after the founding of the ANC, under the leadership of the late ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo. This annual message has become the cornerstone of the ANC’s calendar, providing direction for our organisation and reaffirming our commitment to the liberation and development of South Africa,” explained Mbalula.
He said this tradition of reflecting on the ANC’s past and charting the course for the future has continued uninterrupted since then, and will again be used to celebrate several milestones made in the past 30 years of democracy. Mbalula said some of achievements are transformative laws, energy security, diversifying the economy, turnaround strategy at the SAA, ending of state capture, and introduction of NSFAS amongst others. He however acknowledged the challenges that remain, “particularly the enduring legacies of structural economic apartheid, unemployment, poverty, and inequality.”
In the lead-up to the January 8 Statement rally, the party will host a series of commemorative and celebratory activities across the province.
