ANC 113th anniversary: Ramaphosa reflects on past sacrifices

Cape Town - South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its  113th anniversary on 8 January, making it the oldest liberation movement on the African continent.

To mark this historic milestone, the current leadership of the party remembered its vanguards, significant figures who fought to liberate the Republic of South Africa.

"For over a century, the ANC has been a symbol of resilience, unity, and the unwavering fight for justice, equality, and freedom," said party President Cyril Ramaphosa during his to Robben Island visit, where the late Nelson Mandela was held captive during Apartheid.

According to the party, the ANC’s visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island symbolizes the enduring legacy of sacrifice and struggle for freedom. 

Standing in the very space where Mandela was imprisoned, President Ramaphosa reflected the ANC’s continued commitment to justice, unity, and renewal.

"This moment serves as a reminder of the ANC’s duty to protect the hard-won gains of liberation and to lead South Africa toward a future of dignity, equality, and progress.

“By visiting Robben Island on this most important of days in the life of our movement, we are reaffirming our determination to advance the struggle for the complete liberation of all South Africans from all forms of oppression.” - ANC President said.

Mandela was not the only struggle hero to be remembered, ANC National Chairperson Cde Gwede Mantashe, accompanied by NEC Member Cde Nobuhle Nkabane, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of the late Regional Chairperson, Cde Danny Manie, in Grabouw, Overberg Region, Western Cape. 

Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General, Comrade Fikile Mbalula, laid a wreath at the grave of the late stalwart and Umkhonto Wesizwe Liberation War Veteran, Comrade Ashley Kriel.