ANC to outline election strategy at anniversary

Party aware of need to regain lost ground

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

THE ANC is gearing up for its annual January 8 Statement next Saturday at the Moruleng Stadium in the North West province.

This event, held to celebrate the party's anniversary, will feature President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the nation, outlining the political agenda and priorities for the year ahead.

With the 2026 local government elections on the horizon, the ANC is keenly aware of the need to regain ground lost during the challenging 2024 national and provincial elections.

In his closing address at the National General Council (NGC) in December, Ramaphosa said the upcoming local government elections will be an important test of the extent to which the ANC has managed to renew the support and confidence of the electorate.

"To win decisively the ANC must field our most dedicated, honest and competent candidates.

"We must work tirelessly in voting districts going door to door to explain why the ANC remains the only party that can meet the needs of all our country's people," he said.

Ramaphosa's assertions were informed, in part, by the political report he tabled at the NGC.

The report admitted that the 2024 election was a severe strategic setback for the ANC, as it received only 40% of the national vote.