The African National Congress (ANC) says it has reached its target to raise funds for its forthcoming 114th anniversary celebration (January 8 statement) to be held at the Moruleng Stadium outside Rustenburg in the North West and the local government elections later next year. The party’s provincial and national treasurers Sello Lehari and Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa respectively, told Newsnote that they have received an overwhelming support from the business sector that attended both their Gala Dinner at the Rustenburg Civic Centre and the Golf Day event in Sun City.
“ANC is a poor organisation, we relied on the support of businesspeople, and we would encourage them to continue supporting us, because that will ensure that effort to strengthen the support of our programmes and activities continue.We met our target, we raised millions although it was difficult, but we met our target and we are happy,” said an elated Lehari. Furthermore, Lehari said the money will be used utilised for key events to be held next year.
“The purpose of the Gala Dinner and Golf Day is to prepare for the January 8 celebrations as you know we are a hosting province on January 10th, 2026. The funds raised will also assist us to prepare thoroughly for the local government elections. Elections need money, and the ANC is a poor organisation,” elaborated the Provincial Treasurer. Meanwhile, Ramokgopa who attended the Golf Day, said that the support they received is not taken lightly as it will improve participation of their structures in various community projects.
“We are grateful for the support shown by various businesses nationally and provincially and that’s what we are pleading for particularly from those that have made it in the business sector to continue supporting us (ANC) to strengthen democracy. We are also elated that the dinner and the golf day were sold out, oversubscribed and the support was very good,” said Dr. Ramokgopa.
She commended the party’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile for efficiently leading the two-day programme and thoroughly explaining the party’s 10-point economic plan which has been approved by the National Executive Committee of the ANC.
“This is a critical plan, which speaks to the provision of electricity and road infrastructure, water, which we know we need to fast track some of the projects which are rolled out in the province. It speaks to a competent government that delivers. It also speaks to how we must deal with corruption, terrorism, and we want the full might of the law to prevail against anyone found on the wrong side of the law.” Ramokgopa added.
The Treasurer General indicated that several other fund-raising events including the President’s Gala Dinner and the Golf Day event are to be held as part of the build up to the main January 8 celebrations in the first week of January 2026. Ramokgopa told Newsnote that they remain committed to reliably paying their employees on time to avoid unnecessary disgruntlements and protests like one that ensued at the National General Council earlier this month.
“That’s a priority because our staff is our capacity. What I am happy about is that we have been able to fully pay their salaries at the end of November. The biggest challenge was the outcome of the 2024 national and provincial election which also depleted even our reserves. That’s why we are struggling financially as a party. There’s a standing commitment though and we remain true to that,” assured Ramokgopa.
