03 January 2019
ANC STATEMENT ON STATE OF READINESS TO HOST JANUARY 8 CELEBRATION RALLY AND LAUNCH OF THE PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO
This year the African National Congress celebrates 107 years of its existence, not only as the oldest political party on the African continent, but as a people’s liberation movement that carries the hopes and dreams of all South Africans. The pursuit of the ideals of the national democratic revolution to realise a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society remains the historic mission of the ANC and defines its character. The January 8thstatement exemplifies a rich and proud tradition and is a platform through which the ANC connects, not only with its members, but with society at large.
This 107th anniversary takes place against the backdrop of the fifth democratic elections later this year. For this reason, we will be unveiling the People’s Manifesto on the basis of which we will seek to renew our democratic mandate to take South Africa forward and build a better life for all.
This briefing is therefore intended to share with you our state of readiness to host these two significant events in the calendar of the African National Congress.
JANUARY 8TH CELEBRATIONS
On 8 January 2019, as is customary every year, the ANC will release its January 8thstatement to outline its priorities for the year ahead. This year the January 8th celebrations will be decentralised across all the 11 ANC Regions of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The main event will be held at the Ohlange Institute at Inanda, in the eThekwini Region, and will be addressed by the ANC President, Cde Cyril Ramaphosa. Both the national and provincial ANC leadership will be deployed across all the 11 Regions.
Following the release of the January 8th statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC will confer awards to its various structures, which include its highest honour Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe, awarded to those who have made an outstanding contribution and sacrifice to the liberation struggle. Chief Albert Luthuli, Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Father Trevor Huddleston were the first to be proclaimed Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe.
True to its character as the political home of the overwhelming majority of South Africans, the ANC leadership will be visiting and interacting with communities through a number of activities across the Province as a build-up to the 107thanniversary.
PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO LAUNCH – 12 JANUARY 2019
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The term of the 4th democratic government comes to an end this year and we have to seek a renewed mandate to govern for another 5 years. As we go to the polls later this year, South Africans will be called upon to elect a government of their choice both at national and provincial spheres. We go into these elections humbled by the trust South Africans continue to place in the ANC to transform their lives for the better. The road has not been easy and we learnt through our mistakes. Our manifesto is a product of a proud tradition of an extensive consultation process with the public and various stakeholders. Our leadership has engaged with South Africans from all walks of life and will unveil a manifesto that builds on the progress of the last 24 years and speaks to the dreams, hopes and aspirations of every South African.
Our manifesto launch will be held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 12 January 2019. The stadium has a capacity of 85,000 and the People Parks, East and West, will be used as overflow venues. We are confident that we will fill these to capacity.
Buses in excess of 1,300 have been organised to transport people from all Provinces. Trains have also been organised to transport people from different parts of the KZN Province.
As build up to the People’s Manifesto launch, a number of mobilisation activities, including door-to-door campaigning, and blitzes in different regions are planned.
These build-up activities will culminate in a People’s Manifesto Preview event to be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 11 January 2019.
Post the manifesto launch, the ANC will host a Voter Registration beach party as part of its many interventions to encourage the youth and first time voters to register to vote. The beach party will be held on Sunday, 13 January 2019.
Issued by the African National Congress