The ANC faced sparse attendance at its 114th anniversary rally on Saturday, failing to fill the 20,000-capacity Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, North West.
At the start of the official program, thousands of chairs remained empty, contrasting sharply with the party’s ability to fill multiple stadiums a decade ago. ANC insiders attributed the low turnout to strict security measures, claiming the State Security Agency (SSA) restricted vehicles carrying T-shirts, food parcels, and supporters’ buses from entering the stadium precinct.
One party leader criticized the security overreach, saying it disrupted the usual mobilization efforts that draw crowds to such events. The ANC has recently opted for smaller venues for its January 8 rallies, avoiding larger stadiums like the 44,000-seat Royal Bafokeng Stadium nearby.
The subdued gathering reflects the party’s ongoing struggle with declining public mobilization amid waning electoral support and internal challenges.