The African National Congress (ANC) will mark its 113th anniversary on January 11, 2024, with celebrations at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed during a media briefing that the township was the party’s first choice for hosting the event, a deliberate effort to reconnect with its grassroots supporters.
A Shift to Grassroots Engagement
Mbalula emphasized the ANC’s “conscious decision” to hold the January 8 statement event in Khayelitsha, moving away from the larger venues used in previous years. For instance, last year’s celebrations were held at the 43,500-capacity Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. In contrast, Mandela Park Stadium accommodates only about 2,000 people, symbolizing a shift toward more direct engagement with the party’s core base.
“Khayelitsha has been our first choice,” Mbalula said. “We are going to our people, to connect with our people. We are who we are because of the working class, the primary motive force of the national democratic revolution.”
Challenges in the Western Cape
The ANC has struggled to maintain influence in the Western Cape, losing control of the province to the Democratic Alliance (DA) in 2009. The party’s share of the vote in the province dropped significantly in the 2019 elections, declining from 28.63% in 2014 to 19.55%.
Despite these setbacks, Mbalula expressed optimism, arguing that many Western Cape residents have not shifted allegiance but have instead stopped voting. “They do not vote for other political parties,” he said. “We are going to celebrate January 8, 113 years, with the people.”
Addressing Inequalities
The decision to host the event in Khayelitsha underscores the ANC’s acknowledgment of stark inequalities between Cape Town’s affluent areas and its under-resourced townships. Mbalula noted that communities in the Western Cape townships have voiced frustrations about inadequate services, highlighting the need for the ANC to re-establish meaningful connections with its supporters.
Looking Ahead
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the ANC’s January 8 statement during the event, reflecting on the party’s achievements and reaffirming its commitment to tackling critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“This event will celebrate the resilience, culture, and diversity of Cape Town’s communities,” Mbalula added, emphasizing the importance of addressing the struggles faced by township residents. The Khayelitsha celebrations aim to demonstrate the ANC’s renewed dedication to its roots and its mission to create a more equitable South Africa.
