ANC January 8th Statement .


By Phumzile Mavimbela

For the first time President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday deliver the African National Congress’s (ANC) January 8 statement virtually. Due to the rising COVID -19 cases  the governing party cancelled it's Limpopo celebrations. 

In a media briefing, The Head of the organising committee Nomvula Mokonyane outlined the planned virtual events that will precede the delivery of the statement. These will include: 

  • Interviews with ANC stalwarts who will reflect on the importance of the January 8 statement
  • Messages of support from the party’s alliance partners;
  • A Peter Mokaba memorial lecture by the Youth League; as well as
  • A  Charlotte Maxeke inter-generational programme.

“For the first time in our history, January 8 will be held under extraordinary circumstances imposed on us by the Covid-19 pandemic. There will be a significant departure from past practices. This year’s January 8 celebrations will be a virtual affair, including the build-up activities. As you are aware, there will be no mass rally as on previous occasions. This is part of our commitment towards preserving lives in the midst of this deadly virus. As a leader of society, we have a duty to lead by example.” Mokonyane said.

She added that the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and life in general, as well as the acquisition of vaccines, is expected to form a big part of the January 8 statement. To signify its 109th birthday celebrations, the ANC has chosen the logo of a baobab tree, a species estimated to be more than 3,000 years old.

“The baobab is renowned for its magical powers and symbolic value to many indigenous African people, as well as its functional usefulness,” Mokonyane said.

“The age and utility of this tree suggests endurance, wisdom, endowment and bounty. In the 109th anniversary celebration of the ANC, the tree symbolises the sustained presence of the ANC in our lives and its ability to weather all manner of storms in pursuit of the liberation of all South Africans.”

 
According to news24 The leadership of Cosatu and the SACP are billed to also speak at the event in the evening, which Mokonyane said would be “a moment to draw on the legacy of the founding fathers and mothers of the ANC and to reorientate the current generation to the values and objectives that inspired our forebears”.
 


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January 8 statement

Cyril Ramaphosa

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