The African National Congress – Africa’s oldest liberation movement – is celebrating 113 years of existence this weekend. This year’s January 8 Statement rally will be held at Nelson Mandela Park at Khayelitsha in Cape Town on Saturday.
The ANC has been the governing party since the first democratic elections in 1994, marking the country’s political liberation from apartheid. However, in last year’s general elections, itANC NEC Member Lindiwe Zuluhas announced that the party will adopt a firm approach to addressing ill-discipline among its members. He commented during a media briefing in Khayelitsha, at the venue that will host the party’s annual January 8th Statement.
Mbalula says the party is confident that it will be filled to capacity. However, party members like Tony Yengeni have been criticising the venue – saying it is a sign that there is no expectation for a large crowd.“Tony Yengeni is nothing but a political casanova. He will be charged, I have informed him. Discipline in ANC is important. I have seen others when they have had something at 2 am tweeting the leadership of ANC, bringing the party into disrepute. They too will be attended to very soon.
Political analyst and historian Dr Zakhele Shamase of the University of Zululand believes unfulfilled promises and the non-implementation of congress resolutions caused the party’s decline. He says factionalism and breakaway parties also took their toll.