ANC January 8th Statement (2025)

THE YEAR OF RENEWAL TO MAKE THE ANC A MORE EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENT OF THE PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THE VISION OF THE FREEDOM CHARTER: THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN! THE PEOPLE SHALL SHARE IN THE COUNTRY’S WEALTH!

8 JANUARY 2025

January 8th Statement 2025 1 JANUARY 8TH STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 113TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANC 1 Comrades and Compatriots; The peoples of Africa; All progressive forces in the world. This year marks the 113th anniversary of the formation of the African National Congress, the people’s movement for freedom that contin­ ues to unite our country in a national effort to transform South Africa into a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous so­ ciety. Today we gather in Khayelitsha in the City of Cape Town in the West­ ern Cape province, on the southern tip of our country and continent – the point of convergence between east and west, wealth and pov­ erty, justice and injustice, despair and hope – a Cape of Storms and a Cape of Good Hope. It was on these southern shores that our painful history of colonial

2 January 8th Statement 2025 conquest, dispossession, oppression and exploitation started – driv­ en by forces that sought to exploit our resources, both human and material. The rapacious expansion of this quest led to the genocide of the Khoi and the San and prolonged wars that resulted in land dispos­ session and displacement of Africans communities in the interior from their communities. The colonialists imported Malay slaves and indentured labourers from India, China and countries along the east of our continent. The subjugation of all these people resulted in com­ plex relationships of domination and subordination – defining some as more, and others as less than human. It is also here that the proud and unbroken tradition of resistance and struggle for liberation had its genesis – from the Battle of Salt River in 1510, where the ǃUriǁʼaekua Khoikhoi abaThwa/Khwe de­ feated the Portuguese, through successive wars of resistance led by great heroes of our people such as Autshumato, Maqoma, Hintsa, Sekhukhune, Cetshwayo, Makhado, Mantsopa, Modjadji, Moshoe­ shoe and Ngungunyane. The spear was carried forward through the Bambatha Rebellion in 1906, mass resistance in the 1950s, the people’s army uMkhonto weSizwe, the 1976 generation, and the mass democratic movement of the 1980s. Today we once again meet in a context of ongoing global crises and stubborn challenges at home. The people of the Western Cape and South Africa continue to be confronted by the persistence of un­ employment, poverty and inequality and their attendant causes and effects: crime, violence, gender-based violence and femicide, drug abuse, service delivery challenges such as water, sanitation, roads, and housing and unequal access to education. There is also a new post-election political environment in which the ANC no longer has a majority to form a government on our own and consequently we now lead a government of national unity with nine other political parties.

3 January 8th Statement 2025 The ANC is committed to decisive action on three urgent and inter- related fronts in order to regain the confidence of the majority of the people in our ability to represent their hopes and aspirations for a better life: Firstly, to improve the ability of our economy to create wealth and employment for all. Secondly, to improve the quality of services and the integrity, re­ sponsiveness and accountability of government in all spheres. Thirdly, to renew and rebuild the ANC so that it can provide decisive and ethical leadership in the resolution of our country’s problems and the realisation of the vision of the Freedom Charter. Seventy Years of the Freedom Charter We take this moment to observe the 70th anniversary of the Free­ dom Charter, a profoundly revolutionary document that serves as the enduring policy blueprint for the society we seek to create. The adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955 and the inclusive and participatory manifestations undertaken to compile the document, represents a watershed moment in the struggle against colonialism, apartheid and patriarchy. People from all walks of life – from villages and farms, towns and mining compounds, factories and churches – sent their aspirations for the country they wanted to be debated by their representatives gathered at the Congress of the People in Kliptown. The Freedom Charter was also inspired by the efforts of the women of our land, who the year before launched the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) and adopted the Women’s Charter. This laid the foundation for incorporation of the struggle for gender equal­ ity into the national struggle.

4 January 8th Statement 2025 The Freedom Charter inspired generations that followed, from work­ ers to women, the rural masses and people on farms, students and youth, professionals and small business persons. It provided im­ petus for non-racialism and for the unity in struggle of all national groups. The process initiated by the ANC to develop the Constitutional Guidelines in the late 1980s was aimed at operationalising the Free­ dom Charter as we were preparing for a democratic transition. Thus, the adoption of the democratic and transformative Constitu­ tion of the Republic of South Africa in 1996 was a decisive step in dismantling the institutional and legal foundations of racism in general and the various codes of colonial, apartheid and patriarchal power. Out of the crucible of struggle, the people of South Africa made the clarion call in the Freedom Charter that: “South Africa belongs to all who live in it: Black and White!” In so-doing, it advanced the demands that: “The people shall govern!”, that “All national groups shall have equal rights”, that “The people shall share in the country’s wealth!”; “The land shall be shared among those who work it!;” “The doors of learning and culture shall be opened”. The aspirations of the Freedom Charter have shaped the South Afri­ can development path over the first three decades of freedom. Given the stubborn nature of racism, patriarchy, inequality and on­ going economic exclusion, the Freedom Charter remains relevant.

The National Democratic Revolution: Our theory of social change The National Democratic Revolution (NDR) is our theory of social change. It has guided our struggle for freedom over many decades.

5 January 8th Statement 2025 Guided by the vision of the Freedom Charter, the goal of the NDR is to transform South Africa into a National Democratic Society by eradicating all manifestations of apartheid, colonial and patriarchal power relations. The NDR is defined as such precisely because it seeks to achieve four objectives: • Building a new nation with a new national identity of being an African country which is underpinned by non-racialism, non-sex­ ism and unity in diversity; • Building a democratic state based on the will of the people, with­ out regard to race, class, gender, belief, language, ethnicity and geographic location; • Building a society based on the best human values – restoring the dignity and guaranteeing the freedoms and human rights to all the people and improving their quality of life; • Building a transformed, inclusive and thriving economy that of­ fers opportunities and decent livelihoods to all people, including restoration of the birthright of all South Africans with regard to access to the land, finance, skills and other resources. The success of this vision is, objectively, in the best interest of all South Africans. It is in this regard, the change envisaged by the NDR and encapsu­ lated in the Freedom Charter and Constitution of the Republic rep­ resents the best in human civilisation, where no one is left behind. The Alliance: an indispensable vehicle for fundamental change The strategic alliance between the national liberation movement (ANC), the working-class party (SACP), the trade union federation (COSATU) and later the civic movement (SANCO), is possibly one of the best examples of the success of united front politics in today’s world.

6 January 8th Statement 2025 The Alliance remains the proven vehicle to uplift the working class and the poor. It has won many historic victories, including the adop­ tion of worker rights, employment equity and broad-based black em­ powerment policies, investment in infrastructure, and public employ­ ment programmes. It is a living organism that developed and matured over almost a century, under different conditions, constantly adapting its role as the phases of the struggle changed. The National Democratic Revolution is our shared theory of funda­ mental change, and the Freedom Charter is our common minimum programme. We have made substantial progress in achieving the objectives of the NDR because we have had an alliance that has been united and single-minded. To continue to achieve the change we envisage requires strong or­ ganisation, ongoing mass mobilisation of society and unity of pro­ gressive forces. Without unity, the revolution will be defeated by counter-revolution. The counter revolutionary onslaught In last year’s January 8th Statement, we drew attention to the fact that there is convergence and common cause between the anti- transformation forces and the state capture forces to destroy the ANC from within and dislodge it from power. These forces are two sides of the same coin: counter-revolution. The ANC’s Strategy and Tactics document asserts: “[T]he immedi­ ate objective of the counter-revolutionary forces is to disorganise, weaken and destroy the ANC, the vanguard of the NDR, both from within and from outside its ranks…Counter-revolutionary mobilisa­

7 January 8th Statement 2025 tion can only take root if there are real grievances to exploit, whether these grievances are deliberately engineered or not. The democratic movement itself needs at all times to be vigilant that its own actions and omissions do not assist such mobilisation.” Part of the counter-revolutionary tactic is to promote break-away parties to erode the support base of the ANC. Some of these parties masquerade as more radical than the ANC, but their revolutionary- sounding rhetoric cannot hide the reality that they have common cause with the forces opposing transformation. The shared goal of all these forces is to deprive the ANC of the abil­ ity to use state power to effect change. To pursue the NDR effectively, the democratic movement needs to have a decisive influence over the state and a clear mandate to govern in pursuit of fundamental change. Without state power, the NDR will not succeed. The Outcome of the May 2024 Elections and the formation of the GNU The outcome of the May 2024 elections has been characterised by the NEC as a strategic setback for the ANC-led National Democratic Revolution and the Congress movement as a whole. For any liberation movement or progressive party, losing a majority in government is a strategic setback. Without an effective response, such a setback can halt or derail the progress of socioeconomic transformation. The reasons for the electoral decline include the state of the econ­ omy reflected in the crisis of unemployment and social reproduc­ tion; poor basic services and deficiencies of capable, ethical and responsive governance; and the ANC’s organisational weaknesses and damaged brand. A combination of some of these reasons led

8 January 8th Statement 2025 to many of our traditional supporters and voters staying away from voting and or voting for other parties. The extent and depth of the electoral loss points to an organisation that has lost significant support and public confidence. This may be a painful reality for us to accept, but our healing lies in accepting the depth of dysfunction in our structures and among our members and leadership. The question the ANC had to answer at that time was how under conditions not of our choosing, we do everything to safeguard the NDR and re-establish the ANC as a credible and well supported force for progressive change in society. The NEC moved swiftly to start mapping out various scenarios and options based on the objective reality of an unfavourable electoral performance. Unanimously, the NEC arrived at the decision to ad­ vocate for the formation of an inclusive ANC-led government of na­ tional unity. It is on the basis of this NEC mandate that negotiations were held with all political parties represented in Parliament and in some leg­ islatures. Ten parties agreed to join the ANC-led government of na­ tional unity based on the Statement of Intent. Through the Statement of Intent, the parties have made a firm com­ mitment to respect the Constitution and the rule of law and to pro­ mote accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance. The formation of the GNU is a tactical decision to pursue the NDR under new conditions occasioned by the electoral setback. The ANC’s strategic objective has not changed but we pursue this ob­ jective under conditions where we no longer have a majority to form a government on our own. As the ANC, we are determined to regain public confidence and

9 January 8th Statement 2025 return as a majority party in the next elections. In the meantime, we will work with other political parties, even those with whom we have fundamental differences, to secure space for addressing the needs of our people as articulated in our 2024 mani­ festo. Many progressive parties in other countries have had to make simi­ lar tactical considerations of working with their adversaries at spe­ cific moments to secure peace and progress. The false notion that the character of the ANC and strategic objec­ tive of the NDR has now been redefined by a single tactic of forming a broadly inclusive GNU, is a distortion of the realities our move­ ment faced. This should be dismissed out of hand. Similarly, the idea that a progressive party cannot engage its oppo­ nents in short term, tactical agreements without selling out, is ahis­ torical. Our own experience and the experiences of many revolu­ tionary movements and parties show that there are moments where conditions require that organisations work with their opponents to secure space for the revolution to regain momentum. The movement therefore must ensure that the tactical initiative which it gained through the formation of the ANC-led GNU is used effectively to open space for a strategic advance to the benefit of the motive forces and all South Africans. The correctness of our tactic is demonstrated by the broad public support for the GNU and the close alignment between the three strategic priorities for the 7th administration outlined by the Presi­ dent in the Opening of Parliament Address in August 2024 with the priorities of the ANC 2024 Manifesto. The ANC remains committed to forge national consensus on fun­ damental issues that affect our diverse nation. While being flexible

10 January 8th Statement 2025 on tactics, we maintain firmness of principle in our determination to implement transformative laws and policies adopted by Parliament, such as the BELA Act, National Health Insurance and other pieces of legislation. We call on all ANC cadres deployed in government to move with speed and confidently build strategic momentum for rapid imple­ mentation of the priorities of the seventh administration. This is not the time be tentative or doubtful, but rather to be decisive. SIX PRIORITY ACTIONS AND SPECIFIC TASKS FOR 2025 The strategic task of advancing the National Democratic Revolution does not change year after year because this is based on the reso­ lutions of the National Conference. However, the order of priority actions and specific tasks will change from time to time and additional tasks may arise in each year, de­ pending on the changes in the objective conditions. Renewal of the ANC remains the number one priority, while resolv­ ing the water crisis, fixing local government and fixing the economy remain the top priorities in the six tasks for this year. 1. Decisive and visible action to renew the ANC The 2024 elections results confirm that we face an existential crisis: this is a moment wherein the ANC should either renew or perish. We must do much more work, with greater urgency and determination. The cornerstone of our renewal agenda therefore remains building our movement’s capacity to discharge its historical mission. This includes strengthening the presence of the ANC in communi­ ties through strong ANC branches as centers of development, that engage and listen to citizens, and work with them to address chal­ lenges and grievances.

11 January 8th Statement 2025 The work of building strong branches is the responsibility of all struc­ tures of the ANC. Investing in the ideological development of ANC members and im­ proving their skills will enhance the movement’s ability to implement its Manifesto and govern our country effectively and ethically. Renewal is as much about fixing the ANC as it is about improving the quality of governance and service delivery and fast-tracking fun­ damental socio-economic transformation. Pursuant to the renewal tasks we set last year, we launched the ANC Foundation Course to anchor all members on the history, mis­ sion and values of the ANC. We are serious and seek to enhance the ideological cohesion and leadership capacity of ANC members so that they are clear on our policies and vision for the country and they uphold our values. To hold elected leadership and public representatives accountable, we have started to implement an Accountability Framework through­ out the organisation. From now on, there shall be consequence management in the entire organisation. With regard to fostering a culture of ethics and integrity, we have strengthened the terms of reference of the Integrity Commission. Fur­ ther, we have introduced a compulsory course on ethics and integrity in the political education curriculum, starting with the induction of all newly-elected public representatives. There is no turning back. Enhancing the quality of membership and leadership is key for the renewal of the ANC. The membership system of the ANC is also be­ ing overhauled to ensure that the movement attracts into its ranks the kind of people who are willing to serve the people of South Af­ rica. The criteria for membership and screening process to rid the ANC of criminals is an important part of the renewal process. This includes tightening and enforcing the leadership election processes.

12 January 8th Statement 2025 A renewed ANC must enforce discipline in the ranks. As we said last year, “as renewal gains momentum, those whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles – the criminals, the cor­ rupt, the careerists, extortionists and factionalists, and those who actively work against the organisation – will find themselves outside the ANC”. The renewal of the ANC must be reflected in our every-day behav­ iour, on how we conduct ourselves, and what we post on social me­ dia. Let us be known for excellence, ethics, humility, hard work and competence. Renewal tasks for ANC structures in 2025: • To build ANC branches grounded in everyday struggles of ordi­ nary South Africans for a better life in every community and ev­ ery ward throughout the country by participating and supporting key community organisations. These include school governing bodies, community policing forums, health and ward committees to promote clean and green communities and social cohesion, so we support service delivery, crime prevention, and combat gangsterism and substance abuse; • To ensure ANC cadres work with local government to address illegal water and electricity connections and prevent vandalism of state infrastructure and assist indigent and elderly people to register for free basic services and access public health services and other forms of social support. • One of the tasks of an ANC Branch is to mobilise community members to participate in mobile outreach programmes by Home Affairs, SASSA and the Department of Employment and Labour to make services accessible to communities. • As part of a caring organisation that respects the fundamental human rights of all people, ANC members should always be in the forefront of advocating for the rights of persons with disabil­ ity, persons with albinism, the LGBTQI+ community and other groups subjected to prejudice and discrimination.

13 January 8th Statement 2025 The ANC Women’s League and ANC Youth League, which held successful national conferences last year, are now making mean­ ingful contributions to the life of the ANC and championing issues affecting women and young people. As the custodians of ANC history and traditions, the ANC Veterans League is championing and giving momentum to the renewal pro­ cess across the structures of the movement. The MK Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV) continues to play a key role in championing the interests of ex-combatants of the People’s Army, uMkhonto weSizwe and as a major resource for the political education and development of cadres. This year, MKLWV will con­ vene its National Conference as part of the renewal process. The National General Council, to be held later this year, will be an important forum for strategic assessment of the balance of forces globally and domestically and organisational stock-taking on the re­ building and renewal of the ANC. Taking place immediately after the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter on 25 June 2025, it will also provide a platform to assess whether the NDR is on track, as we evaluate progress with the implementation of this blueprint of our peoples aspirations. 2. Fixing local government and ensuring water

and energy security In 2024, we set ourselves the task of resolving the energy crisis and ending load shedding as well as improving basic services and infrastructure. The people of South Africa, in their homes and businesses, places of employment and recreation, public spaces and institutions pro­ viding education and health have now experienced almost 300 days without load shedding. This has improved both the economy and the quality of their lives.

14 January 8th Statement 2025 We commend government and the management of Eskom for their resolute efforts in addressing the energy crisis. Building on these advances, we call upon government to ensure the achievement of lasting and sustainable energy security through the implementation of the Energy Action Plan and the Electricity Regu­ lation Amendment Act, in particular. We call on government to also address problem of load reduction and power outages which still affects some communities in the town­ ships and rural areas. However, load shedding has been supplanted by the crisis of water security that poses a similar, if not greater threat, to the quality of life and economic prospects of all South Africans. Indeed, water is life and sanitation is dignity. Accordingly, we have decided to elevate water security as a priority task for 2025. We are confident that drawing on the lessons learned from dealing successfully with the seemingly intractable challenge of load shedding, we will be able to deal with this crisis. Therefore, the ANC calls upon government urgently to implement the following measures: • Water boards urgently to ensure security of water supply; • Upgrade ageing municipal water infrastructure that contributes to significant water losses due to leaks by ring-fencing water rev­ enue for critical maintenance; • Implement a water and local financing framework that attracts private sector participation in the refurbishment of water infra­ structure without relinquishing municipal ownership of water as­ sets; • Law enforcement agencies, working with municipalities, to tack­ le sabotage, theft and corruption by water tanker mafias and to deal with illegal water connections; • Accelerate the programme to formalise informal settlements and

15 January 8th Statement 2025 ensure safe and legal access to water and electricity and the provision of free basic services to indigent persons. • In the face of the high cost of living and increasing electricity tariffs, consideration needs to be to the development of a com­ prehensive indigent register across all municipalities to ensure all deserving households are cushioned. • In co-operation with the south African Weather Service, all spheres of government must strengthen early-warning systems for extreme weather events; improve speedy access to disaster relief and build climate-resilience in human settlements and in­ frastructure. The ANC re-affirms the important role traditional leaders play in the development of communities. We will continue to work these lead­ ers to resolve service delivery challenges and all aspects of com­ munity development. 3. Speeding up inclusive economic growth to create jobs Both the 2024 January 8th Statement and the ANC 2024 Election Manifesto emphasise speeding up economic growth and creating jobs as vital to resolving the structural challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality, especially for women, young people and people living in townships and rural areas. The fundamental transformation of South Africa’s economy is cen­ tral to advance the goals of the NDR. The public employment programmes play a vitally important role in mitigating against the unacceptably high levels of unemployment. However, they do not replace the need for long-term jobs through growth and investment by both public and private sectors. Manufacturing is the most reliable sustained employment creator with the highest jobs multiplier. Therefore, we must revitalise our industrial capacity. We must build an infrastructure and export-led

16 January 8th Statement 2025 economy focused on manufacturing globally competitive goods and global business services and invest in technological capabilities. We commend progress made in improving energy security and en­ hancing the stability and efficiency of our logistics networks – our ports and rail – as catalysts of economic growth and industrialisa­ tion. We urge government to accelerate the leveraging of our critical min­ erals endowment working with other countries in Southern Africa, Emerging technologies such as satellites for communication, virtual reality and artificial intelligence have the potential to deliver signifi­ cant benefits across several sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, defence and security. The ANC therefore calls upon government to: • On Youth Unemployment: We need to Address youth unem­ ployment through the following four strategic interventions fo­ cused on education reform, skills development initiatives, access to labour market information, entrepreneurship and targeted em­ ployment programmes: - Creating aggregate employment in the economy through the interventions we have outlined above, - Designing youth-focused interventions to stimulate demand for young workers, - Intensifying collaboration between the government, private sector, labour and civil society to create an enabling environ­ ment for youth employment, and - Promoting entrepreneurship and small business develop­ ment to empower young people to create their own opportu­ nities. • Public employment programmes: Enhance the effectiveness and impact of interventions across many government depart­ ments aimed at addressing unemployment, including public

17 January 8th Statement 2025 works, community works programmes, skills training and devel­ opment programmes and youth service programmes through greater collaboration and consolidation. • Industrialisation: Expedite the creation of an enabling environ­ ment for investment in improved manufacturing competitiveness, Promote collaboration and integration of local and provincial economic development strategies with that national government is leading through the District Development Model. • High growth industries: Focus on agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, the emerging green economy and digital tech­ nologies for accelerated interventions to stimulate job creation, participation and entrepreneurship. • Local economic development: Build the local economic de­ velopment capacity of district and local municipalities to contrib­ ute to transforming the spatial concentration of economic activity in our country and develop and grow the township and village economies. • Promotion of domestic business and labour: Improve the competitiveness of South Africans in small scale economic ac­ tivity such as local retail and enhance local ownership of retail, including through initiatives to improve their business models. Protect local job opportunities by regulating labour migration and enforce quotas on domestic labour in specified industries. • Digital economy: Harness universal connectivity and digital technologies as critical enablers of economic development and ensure that digital infrastructure is widely available and afford­ able. Ensure that our education system is geared to the develop­ ment of a digitally enabled society, including through collabora­ tion with academia and research institutions.

18 January 8th Statement 2025 4. Strengthening the fight against crime and corruption and building safe communities Last year we emphasised that crime undermines and erodes the gains of freedom and shared prosperity and, ultimately, our consti­ tutional democracy and the objectives of the NDR. By November 2024, the actions of our law enforcement agencies, working with communities, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), and private security companies, were having an impact. Crime statistics indicated a significant decline in most reported crimes, and certain sexual offences. The recruitment of 10 000 new police officers have contributed to improving community safety. These interventions have been bolstered by initiatives such as Op­ eration Shanela, which continues to sweep crimes out of communi­ ties across the country, and Operation Vala Umgodi which is dealing decisively with illegal mining activities. We welcome the establishment of the Border Management Author­ ity (BMA) and commend the effective interventions it is making to ensure our territorial integrity and to prevention the violation of im­ migration laws. Notwithstanding this progress, women across our country, including those in rural and farming communities, continue to live in daily ter­ ror of gender-based violence and femicide. This includes the unacceptable proliferation of statutory rape resulting in the impregnation of girl children. This perpetuates a cycle of pov­ erty and deprivation. This is a crisis that no nation can afford to ignore. Furthermore, organised crime, gangsterism, drug-trade and extor­ tion impact on all sectors of our society – undermining personal se­

19 January 8th Statement 2025 curity as well as economic, community and infrastructural develop­ ment.

Therefore, the ANC calls upon government urgently to implement the following measures: • Ensure the building of a united front of community leaders, civil society, businesses, and every citizen against crime; • Finalise the establishment of the National Council on Gender- Based Violence and Femicide and ensure that it is adequately funded and resourced. • Unite all sectors of society to inculcate social values and practic­ es that support the eradication of GBVF in all spheres of life. This includes the important role of traditional and religious leaders. It also involves actively mobilising men in general to be positive role models for boy children. • Act decisively against the employment of illegal and undocu­ mented migrants in the agriculture, domestic, catering and other sectors of the economy. • Ensure that the deaths resulting from foodborne illnesses, espe­ cially of children, are prevented through the registration of spaza shops, regular inspection of food vending outlets, enforcement of health regulations, and closure of those who do not comply with immediate effect. 5. Building a South Africa that belongs to all through

National Dialogue The major purpose of the National Dialogue is to create an inclu­ sive and transparent process to shape a new socio-political con­ sensus. Progressive forces in our country have a proud tradition of mass participation in dialogues that shaped the future of our country, which include the process leading to the adoption of the Women’s Charter in 1954 and the Freedom Charter in 1955, the formation of the United Democratic Front in the 1980s, the Conference for a Democratic Future and the Constitutional Assembly that resulted in the first democratic constitution in 1996.

20 January 8th Statement 2025 In establishing a Government of National Unity, we have built on the rich legacy of Nelson Mandela and his generation who taught us the importance of building bridges across narrow divides of race, class, religion and party politics so we create a country that truly belongs to all who live in it. The National Dialogues offers a comprehensive platform for all citi­ zens to be part of the political process and re-claim agency to en­ sure that the people are their own liberators. The National Dialogue will create an opportunity to discuss and find solutions to the difficult issues of economic exclusion, social inequality and societal marginalisation. Only by doing this can we ensure that the National Dialogue rekindles and restores public par­ ticipation as the expression of people’s power. 6. Build a better Africa and a better World Globally, the world is in the throes of several crises, characterised by instability, fragility, conflict, injustice and insecurity. The ANC remains committed to the principles of international soli­ darity, human rights, anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism and Pan-Af­ ricanism. We are committed to strengthening the capabilities of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), particularly on the 45th anniversary of its formation. We will continue to champion Africa’s development through the Af­ rican Union (AU). Multilateralism and respect for international law and its institutions are under attack by powerful countries and their leaders. We are deeply concerned about the increase in regional, continental

21 January 8th Statement 2025 and global conflicts particularly in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The political and economic consequences of these regional con­ flicts continue to have a negative impact particularly on developing countries. In this context, it is important that the countries of the Global South strengthen our international solidarity to ensure that the world moves away from the current unipolar disorder and domination by the Global North, towards a more multi-polar, multi-cultural, multi- civilizational, humane, fair and inclusive world order. South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 provides huge opportunities to advance the interests of the African continent and the Global South. The ANC will work hard to make sure that South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is an important pillar of our efforts to advance sustain­ able development, inclusive economic growth, justice, peace, sta­ bility, multilateralism and human rights across the globe. The trans­ formation of the international financial agencies and the multilateral development banks is key to ensure inclusive sustainable develop­ ment for all. The ANC stands in steadfast solidarity with and reaffirms the in­ alienable right of the people of Western Sahara and Palestine to self-determination and independence. We continue to call for an end to the decades-long US economic blockade against Cuba and to have Cuba removed from the list of terrorist states. We continue to condemn the genocidal slaughter and ethnic cleans­ ing by the Apartheid Israeli government which has since October 2023 resulted in amongst others, more than 55 000 people being killed in Gaza and hundreds of thousands more injured. Sadly, more than 100 000 people were forced to flee Gaza. Palestinian people continued to be killed in the West Bank and other occupied areas.

22 January 8th Statement 2025 The ANC calls on the seventh administration to remain seized with the cases at the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in the assault on Gaza, the opening of corridors so that humanitarian assistance can reach those in dire need, the release of hostages and political prisoners and the settlement of the conflict based on the two-state solution, in terms of the 1967 borders. We must remain resolute in advancing the African Agenda 2063 to build a peaceful, united and prosperous continent. In this regard, we remain concerned by the growing number of conflicts in Africa. Without the peaceful resolution of conflict we will not be able to en­ sure the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). And without the full implementation of the AfCFTA we will not be able to meet the economic integration ideals of Pan Africanism. The ANC notes the consolidation of democracy in Southern Africa. Seven countries in the SADC region – Comoros, Botswana, Mada­ gascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa – held elections in 2024. The ANC will host the much-anticipated Libera­ tion Movements Summit this year. This will further strengthen the people’s liberation gains towards lasting regional stability and sus­ tainable socio-economic development. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflicts in the Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and post-election vi­ olence in Mozambique. We call on the AU and SADC to take urgent steps to work towards the resolution of these conflicts. We must also continue to work to advance industrialisation, infrastructure and in­ clusive intra-African trade. We need to advance food, water, energy and critical mineral security as well as infrastructural development in Africa. This is important to ending the historical extractive and fragmented commodity-based economies where all trade was with countries of the North rather than amongst ourselves in Africa.

23 January 8th Statement 2025 ISITHWALANDWE AND AWARDS We are proud to announce that the NEC has awarded the follow­ ing three outstanding patriots and veterans of our movement the highest honour of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe: Dr Tlou Theophi­ lus Cholo, Dr Mana Mildred Ramakaba Lesiea and Cde Nkosinathi Benson Fihla. We also congratulate the Winners of the 2024 ANC Awards: The Sol Plaatje Award to the ANC Branch: Ward 29 Collins Cha­ bane Municipality in Vhembe, Limpopo, for the second year, as Best Performing ANC Branch in 2024. The Charlotte Maxeke Award to the Reatlegile ANCWL Branch: Ward 18 Greater Taung, Dr Ruth Mompati Region, North West for Best Performing ANC Women’s League Branch in 2024. The Anton Lembede Award to the Zandile Sibeko ANC Youth League Branch, Ward 76 Selope Thema, Ekurhuleni. Gauteng for Best Performing ANC Youth League Branch in 2024. The ZK Matthews Award to the Polokwane Local Municipality, the Ehlanzeni District, and the Ekurhuleni Metro Council for most de­ serving ANC Local Councils and Caucuses in 2024. ANNIVERSARIES We draw lessons and inspiration from a number of significant an­ niversaries taking place this year. All of these underscore the non-racial and non-sexist character of the ANC, the Alliance and the broader Mass Democratic Movement. They also demonstrate our ability to unite all those who love their country and people, and to adapt and renew – while remaining

24 January 8th Statement 2025 steadfast in pursuit of the ideals of Freedom Charter and objectives of the National Democratic Revolution. During 2025, we will celebrate the centenary of the births of: • Alex la Guma (20 February 1925 – 11 October 1985); • Ruth First (4 May 1925 – 17 August 1982); • Andrew Mlangeni (6 June 1925 – 21 July 2020); • Alfred Nzo (19 June 1925 – 13 January 2000); • Patrice Lumumba (2 July 1925 – 17 January 1961); • Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe Ruth Mompati (14 September 1925 – 12 May 2015); • Liz Abrahams (19 September 1925 – 17 December 2008); • Harold Strachan (1 December 1925 – 7 February 2020); • Christmas Tinto (25 December 1925 – 14 August 2005); We will commemorate the following anniversaries: 100 years since the South African Native National Congress changed its name to the African National Congress and a new black, green and gold flag. It also adopted Nkosi Sikelel’ i-Afrika as its anthem and adopted the ANC Bill of Rights. 95 years since the launch of the National Liberation League for Equality, Land and Freedom was launched with Cissy Gool as presi­ dent and James la Guma as general secretary. It aimed to unite all individuals, organisations to struggle for complete social, political and economic equality of black people in South Africa. 95 years since the All-Africa Convention brought together trade unions, civic, political, professional and religious groupings on 15 – 18 December 2024 in Bloemfontein under the chairpersonship of Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D.D.T.) Jabavu. 75 years since the coming into force of the Suppression of Commu­ nism Act on 17 July 1950 in terms of which our ally the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) was declared illegal and dissolved it­

25 January 8th Statement 2025 self. 10 years later, on 14 July 1960 the South African Communist Party (SACP) that it had been reconstituted and was operating un­ derground. 70 years since the formation of the Black Sash on 19 May 1955 as the Women’s Defence of the Constitution League that brought together white women against apartheid in defence of human rights. 70 years since the inaugural conference of the South African Con­ gress of Trade Unions (SACTU) on 5 March 1955, a progressive formation of the working class that committed itself to engage in both economic and political struggles. SACTU participated in the Congress of the People that adopted the Freedom Charter and would form an integral part of the Congress Alliance. 70 years since the ANC and SA Indian Congress (SAIC) sent Mo­ ses Kotane and I.M Cachalia to the Bandung Conference held in Indonesia on 18 April 1955. The Conference was attended by 29 newly independent African and Asian countries. It strengthened the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, laying the basis for the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement. 65 years since the banning of the ANC and the PAC on 7 April 1960 which compelled the ANC to adapt to new conditions of work and the implementation of four pillars of struggle: mass mobilisation, un­ derground work, internation solidarity and armed struggle. 50 years since the passing of Abraham “Bram” Fischer (23 April 1908 – 8 May 1975), activist, lawyer and leader of the SACP. Sentenced to life imprisonment, he was released to die under house arrest. 40 years since the ANC held the Third Consultative Conference on 16 – 25 June 1985 in Kabwe, Zambia. The Conference led to the renewal and intensification of the liberation struggle and reinforced the non-racial character of the ANC by opening membership of the National Executive Committee to all national groups.

26 January 8th Statement 2025 40 years since the launch of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) on 30 November 1985, under the slogan “One Country, One Federation!” provided the working class, the principal motive force of the NDR, with a more effective vehicle to advance both its economic and political interests, strengthening the Mass Democratic Movement and the Alliance. 30 years since the passing of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe Joe Slo­ vo, member of the ANC, SACP, General Secretary of the SACP, Chief of Staff of uMkhonto weSizwe and first Minister of Housing in a demo­ cratic government, on 6 January 1995. TRIBUTES During the course of 2024, we again bid farewell to a number of activists and patriots: Comrades Tito Mboweni, Membathisi Mdladlana, Pravin Gord­ han, Violet Siwela and Sibusiso Bhengu; Mam Evelyn Lubidla, Yusuf Bhamjee, Prof Muxe Nkondo, Paul Zitha, Mam Celia Khuz­ wayo, Louise Asmal, Winnie Khumalo, Enos Ngutshane, Breyten Breytenbach, Mallele Petje, Betty Muhlanga, Naphtanial Manana, Mandisa Monakali, Gerson Moagi, Steve Marais, Silas Mtongana, Alex Sithole, Tiny Mngomezulu, Elizabeth van der Heyden, Nicolas Wolpe, Thabiso Sikwane, Jessica Mbangeni, Dr Effie Schulz, Po­ loso Mokubedi, Vusi Skosana, Gideon Vakala, Tito Maleka, Peter Magubane, Nosipho Sicatsha, Mxolisi Faku, Reverend A.M. Zondo, Owenita Simpson, Patrick Ricketts, Lt Cln Mandla Moya, Mickey Tsagae, Prof Eddie Webster, Isaac Malawu, Keletile Mathata, Tan­ delakhe Mgijima, Momelezi Mbedla, Puleng Bhuda Tssebe, Joseph TS Pono, Christine Adams, Dr Motsoko Pheko, Ntombikayise Tom, Dingaan Thobela, Legohang Masoetsa, Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, Emmanuel Ngubane, Joe Peter Mzondeki, Ntombikayise Tom, Har­ ris Mbulelo Majeke, Alpheus Manghezi, Kegoilwe James Letebele, Lt Gen MJ Rasegatla, Thamsanqa Mbalula, Jeffrey Sehlare, Bon­ gani Hlengetwa, Ronnie Watson, Vuyani Nobongoza, Aaron Milner, Gideon Vaks Vakala, Zonke Majodina

27 January 8th Statement 2025 THEME OF THE YEAR The baton of struggle in the South African people’s quest for free­ dom and justice has been passed from generation to generation. In both advances and setbacks, defeats and triumphs these genera­ tions have remained true to the solemn pledge by the delegates to the Congress of the People that adopted the Freedom Charter that: “These freedoms we will fight for, side by side, throughout our lives, until we have won our liberty”. Today, every member, upon being accepted in the ANC, makes a solemn declaration which includes a commitment that: “I will work towards making the ANC an even more effective instrument of lib­ eration in the hands of the people.” The transformation of our country into a united, non-racial, non- sexist, democratic and prosperous nation, inspired by the Freedom Charter, and mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa will succeed. Together, we will improve the ability of our economy to create wealth and employment for all. Together, we will improve the quality of services and the integrity, re­ sponsiveness, capacity and accountability of government in all spheres. The ANC will renew and rebuild itself to unite all South Africans and to provide clear, decisive and ethical leadership in the achievement of these objectives. We therefore declare 2025 to be: THE YEAR OF RENEWAL TO MAKE THE ANC A MORE EFFEC­ TIVE INSTRUMENT OF THE PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THE VISION OF THE FREEDOM CHARTER: THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN! THE PEOPLE SHALL SHARE IN THE COUNTRY’S WEALTH!

Published by the African National Congress Chief Albert Luthuli House, 54 Pixley ka Seme Street Johannesburg, 2000. Tel: 011 376 1000. Website: www.anc1912.org.za © ANC, 2025 Produced by the ANC Department of Communications, Information & Publicity