ANC calls for renewal and unity amid challenges, as it reflects on 31 years of freedom

Marking 31 years since South Africa’s historic first democratic elections, the African National Congress (ANC) has called on citizens to reflect on the country’s journey to freedom and commit to renewing and strengthening democracy.

The ANC described the dawn of democracy on April 27, 1994 as "a significant milestone" and "a political breakthrough" that initiated a new chapter in South Africa's liberation struggle.

"As an organisation rooted in society, today the African National Congress (ANC) joins the nation in reflecting on the epic journey as we join South Africans in commemorating Freedom Day," the ANC said.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Freedom Charter, highlighting the rallying cries: "The People Shall Govern" and "The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth," as its guiding pillars.

"The People Shall Govern directs us to deepen democracy, to cultivate a culture of activism and patriotism to defend our democracy and advance freedom for we earnestly believe that 'No revolution is worth anything unless it can defend itself.'"

The ANC reflected on its achievements over the past three decades, citing efforts to reverse the legacy of apartheid through legislation aimed at ensuring universal healthcare, education, land reform, and creating decent working conditions.

"With a deep sense of reflection, the ANC has for the past 31 years made significant strides to change the lives of the people for the better," the party stated.

However, the party also acknowledged the heavy human cost that accompanied the democratic breakthrough, referencing the violence in Boipatong in 1992 and the assassination of South African Communist Party leader Chris Hani.

These events, it said, "gave impetus to negotiations in the spirit of the Harare Declaration for a peaceful negotiated settlement, culminating in the birth of democracy on 27 April 1994."

Paying tribute to the country’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, the ANC quoted him saying; "The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement."

The ANC emphasised that South Africa’s freedom is recognised internationally, citing solidarity efforts for global causes such as peace in Palestine and lifting sanctions against Cuba.

Looking ahead, the ANC acknowledged the challenges of transformation and warned against narrow nationalism, racism, and division.

"The pace of transformation and development is hamstrung by those nostalgic of the oppressive past," 

"Our immediate responsibility is to unite, renew and build an effective organisation capable of advancing development and ethical leadership, to invest in people and to reduce the high cost of living," ANC said.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel

IOL News