A nationwide campaign to rebuild every branch of the ANC will be undertaken in 2026, says Ramaphosa. This announcement was made by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, during the ANC’s 109th anniversary celebrations on January 8th, 2021. The campaign aims to revitalize the party and strengthen its presence in every corner of the country.
The African National Congress (ANC) has been the ruling party in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. However, in recent years, the party has faced numerous challenges, including corruption, factionalism, and declining support from the public. In the 2019 national elections, the ANC received its lowest percentage of votes since the end of apartheid, signaling a need for change within the party.
In his speech, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenges faced by the ANC and emphasized the need for a united and strong party. He stated, “We cannot continue to ignore the issues that have been raised by our people. We need to rebuild our party from the ground up and ensure that every branch is functioning effectively.”
The nationwide campaign will focus on rebuilding the ANC’s structures, from the grassroots level to the national level. This includes recruiting new members, training party officials, and strengthening communication and coordination between branches. The campaign will also prioritize the involvement of young people and women in the party’s activities.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the rebuilding process, stating, “We need to ensure that all voices are heard, and all members are given equal opportunities to contribute to the growth of our party.” This sentiment was echoed by ANC Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, who stated that the campaign will be a “people’s campaign” and will involve all members of the party.
The nationwide campaign will also focus on addressing the issue of corruption within the party. President Ramaphosa stated, “We cannot rebuild our party without addressing the issue of corruption. We need to hold our leaders accountable and ensure that they serve the people with integrity.” This statement was met with applause from the audience, showing the support for the President’s stance on corruption.
The ANC’s alliance partners, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), have also pledged their support for the campaign. SACP General Secretary, Blade Nzimande, stated, “We fully support the President’s call for the rebuilding of the ANC. We believe that a strong and united ANC is crucial for the success of our country.”
The nationwide campaign will culminate in the ANC’s elective conference in 2026, where new leaders will be elected. President Ramaphosa stated that the party needs to use this opportunity to elect leaders who are committed to the values of the ANC and have the best interests of the people at heart.
The announcement of the nationwide campaign has been met with enthusiasm and hope from ANC members and supporters. Many see this as a necessary step towards revitalizing the party and regaining the trust of the people. The campaign is also seen as a way to prepare the ANC for the upcoming local government elections in 2024.
In conclusion, the nationwide campaign to rebuild every branch of the ANC is a crucial step towards strengthening the party and regaining the trust of the people. With the support of its members and alliance partners, the ANC is determined to address its challenges and emerge as a united and strong party. As President Ramaphosa stated, “We have a duty to ensure that the ANC remains a party of the people, a party that continues to lead our country towards a better future.”
