By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) will hold its January 8 Statement at Moruleng Stadium in the North West province next Saturday, 10 January 2026.
The party will be seeking to regain the ground lost during the 2024 national and provincial elections.
The party had lost majority at a national level and in two provinces, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
It ascribed the decline in its support to the formation of the MK Party, which took a significant portion of the ANC’s vote in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the dissatisfaction with the state of the economy and continuing unemployment.
The party held a special NEC meeting as final preparations continue for the anniversary celebrations this weekend.
ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said, the meeting discussed preparations for the main rally on Saturday, where thousands are expected to attend the festivities.
The January 8 Statement is a cornerstone of ANC tradition, marking the party’s founding in 1912 and outlining goals for the year. In 2026, it is expected to focus on economic recovery, job creation, and other pressing issues.
Bhengu also said the party thoroughly discussed the US invasion of Venezuela and adopted a formal message on the matter.
This follows the capture of Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Flores in their Caracas compound in a surprise U.S. military operation Saturday.
He is facing charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons charges. Flores is also facing charges.
If convicted, Maduro and his wife could face life in prison.
Venezuela is a republic of around 30 million people on the northern coast of South America, about twice the size of California.
Bhengu added that the state of local government was also discussed, with a focus on municipalities in the North West.
Eight municipalities which are on the brink of collapse in the North West have been placed under administration following their struggle to deliver essential services and pay the salaries of the workers.
The municipalities are Madibeng Local Municipality, Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Mafikeng Local Municipality, Tswaing Local Municipality, Naledi Local Municipality, and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mampati District Municipality.
In Dr Ruth District Municipality, local municipalities are heavily affected by a lack of water. Other struggling municipalities such as Ditsobotla, Mamusa, and Moses Kotane failed to spend Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and there is a lack of service delivery in the areas.
The highlight of the ANC’s presence in Moruleng is a courtesy visit by ANC top officials, including party President Cyril Ramaphosa, to Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla ba Kgafela.
This is in keeping with the African custom and tradition in rural areas, which requires that traditional leadership be informed and consulted before undertaking any activities in their jurisdiction.