The ANC will celebrate its 114th anniversary in the North West amid mounting internal pressure, as the party confronts leadership succession, deep-rooted factional divisions, and ongoing questions over corruption that continue to undermine its stability.
Traditionally, the January 8 celebrations are used to project unity and reaffirm the ANC’s historic mission.
This year, however, the event unfolds against a sobering political backdrop.
Once the unchallenged centre of politics, the ANC is now grappling with declining electoral support, internal paralysis and a crisis of confidence among its own members and supporters.
At the core of the party’s instability is a simmering succession battle that has intensified ahead of the next elective conference.
Competing factions, loosely aligned around power blocs rather than clear ideological differences, are already manoeuvring for influence.
This has deepened divisions within the party, weakening organisational coherence and undermining its ability to govern decisively.
Factionalism featured prominently at the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in December, where leaders delivered blunt assessments of a movement at risk of self-destruction.
Delegates acknowledged that internal divisions, coupled with corruption and ill-discipline, have severely damaged the party’s standing and distracted it from addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
The NGC resolved that the ANC must confront what it described as “rogue elements” within its ranks, members accused of prioritising personal and factional interests over the collective good of the organisation.
While no names were mentioned, the discussions reflected growing frustration with a culture of impunity that has persisted despite repeated calls for renewal.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the council, issued a warning.
He said the ANC would not recover from its recent electoral losses unless members fundamentally changed their behaviour and recommitted to ethical leadership and unity.
His remarks underscored the gravity of the moment, signalling that the party’s decline is no longer theoretical but an immediate risk.
As leaders gather in the North West, the challenge will be to convince both members and the broader public that the ANC can still reform itself.
Calls for unity and renewal are expected to dominate the anniversary programme, but translating those messages into action has proven elusive.
Meanwhile, the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) will also hold a special meeting to finalise the preparations for the weekend celebrations.
Politics
