The ANC’s 114th Anniversary: A Reflection and a Call for Change

Today, the African National Congress (ANC) celebrates its 114th birthday, marking over a century of pivotal influence in South Africa’s history.

The party has governed the country since the transition to democracy in 1994, but now, as the ANC shares power with opposition parties following its inability to secure an outright majority in the last general election, questions arise: can the ANC reinvent itself, or is it losing its political mojo?

The ANC was founded on January 8, 1912, as the South African Native National Congress in Bloemfontein, aiming to fight for the rights of black South Africans.

The ANC has undergone many transformations since its founding, but one thing remains clear: it was born out of a liberation struggle, and the transition from freedom fighter to governing party has not been without its challenges.

As the country heads into local elections in 2026, the party faces the dual challenge of reflecting on its past while positioning itself for the future.

SABC’s political editor, Zandi Lambe, addressed the significance of the ANC’s birthday in this context.

According to Lambe, the ANC is at a crossroads, forced to adapt to the shifting political landscape.

With the party now sharing power in coalition governments, the ANC is no longer the undisputed leader it once was.

This anniversary offers a chance for introspection, particularly as the party faces growing dissatisfaction from the electorate, with governance failures contributing to its weakened position.

Lambe notes that while the ANC was once the sole driver of policy, today it must share the responsibility with smaller parties, which complicates the party’s ability to push its agenda.

The ANC has always thrived in a majority-rule environment, but in a coalition government, finding consensus becomes much harder.

So, the question arises: How does the ANC plan to move forward in this changed political reality?

The ANC must also confront its past mistakes in governance, particularly issues surrounding service delivery, corruption, and poor management.

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, this anniversary offers the ANC an opportunity to admit these failures and offer practical solutions to correct them.

Lambe suggests that the ANC needs to reinvent itself, as clinging to old tactics in a new political context may no longer suffice.

One critical area where the ANC’s image has taken a hit is its handling of governance at the local level.

The ANC’s record of corruption and inefficiency in municipalities has caused many to question whether the party can continue to lead effectively.

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged the ANC and all political parties to prioritize candidates who are capable of delivering on the ground.

In light of the ANC’s ongoing struggle to address these issues, Lambe believes it is crucial for the party to take ownership of its shortcomings and provide practical plans for how it intends to resolve them.

The ANC must also navigate the complicated terrain of coalition politics.

While there are benefits to power-sharing agreements, the ANC’s partnerships with other political parties have often resulted in friction.

Disagreements over policy, governance priorities, and leadership can be challenging, particularly when coalition partners have divergent ideologies.

Lambe observes that while the ANC’s political opponents may not always agree on every issue, the key to survival is finding common ground and working together to serve the people.

Lambe points out that the ANC has also faced external criticism, particularly regarding its stance on migration and international relations.

The party’s position on immigration has become a flashpoint in South African politics, with some factions of the ANC pushing for stricter controls on immigration while others remain committed to human rights and international solidarity.

Lambe argues that the ANC must find a way to address these issues in a manner that balances national interests with humanitarian concerns.

The ANC’s commitment to human rights and its internationalist principles must guide its policies in the coming years.

Moreover, the ANC is increasingly finding itself in conflict with other political entities, both domestically and internationally.

Critics argue that the ANC’s legacy of liberation struggles no longer resonates with a younger, more politically diverse electorate.

Lambe suggests that the ANC must shift its focus and messaging to stay relevant.

The old tactics no longer work in a world that demands more transparency, more responsiveness, and more results.

Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, the ANC must not only address internal issues but also deal with the growing criticism from its coalition partners.

As Lambe notes, in a democracy, no party can dominate indefinitely, and the ANC must learn to share power without undermining its credibility.

If the ANC fails to rise to these challenges, it risks losing the trust of the electorate, particularly in the local elections, where governance and service delivery are paramount.

In conclusion, Lambe believes that the ANC must adapt to a changing political environment or risk becoming irrelevant.

The party must confront its failures, take responsibility, and offer real solutions.

There is still time before the 2026 elections, but this anniversary should serve as a reminder that the ANC must act with urgency and honesty if it is to remain a leading force in South African politics.