ANC marks 114 years amid power-sharing reality and push to regain voter trust

Mapaballo Borotho

The ANC is celebrating 114 years of existence amid a shift from absolute power to a Government of National Unity.
Party leaders are engaging communities in the North West as part of efforts to rebuild trust ahead of upcoming local government elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the official January 8 Statement in Rustenburg on Saturday.

The African National Congress (ANC) is marking 114 years of existence on Thursday, 8 January 2025, an anniversary that also reflects the party’s changing political fortunes.

Once in control for three decades, the ANC is now sharing power with opposition parties following a series of internal and external failures over recent years.

After the May 2024 general elections, the ANC entered into a Government of National Unity (GNU) with several political parties after securing just over 40% of the national vote and losing outright control in some provinces.

As part of its anniversary reflections, the party’s Top 7 leadership is undertaking various activities in the North West province.

These engagements come as the country prepares for local government elections later this year, where the ANC hopes to regain lost ground.

Once regarded as one of South Africa’s most trusted political movements, the ANC is now facing growing criticism from communities who claim the party has become disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

In an effort to rebuild public confidence, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to conduct a door-to-door campaign in Rustenburg ahead of a regional cake-cutting ceremony marking the party’s 114th anniversary in Boitekong village.

Addressing service delivery concerns, ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile will engage with residents in Mahikeng, while National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe is scheduled to visit Potchefstroom.

The official January 8 celebrations will take place at Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday. Ramaphosa is also set to deliver the official January 8 Statement to party members.