The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) congratulates the African National Congress (ANC) on its 98th birthday today, 08th January 2009. It can only be a dynamic, complex, evolving and time-competing liberation movement that can stand the test of time and continue to be influential in society of a given country, the continent and the World. ANC towers as a true reflection of such a revolutionary movement.

The most interesting to the life of the ANC has been its long standing alliance with the South African Communist Party (SACP), South African Congress of Trade Unions and now Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and SANCO. This strategic alliance has kept the movement more dynamic and interpenetrating in ideas, leadership and strategic focus during the struggle and post apartheid. It is a relationship that has served the ANC with important anchors for it to succeed.

We today mark the 98th anniversary of the ANC when it had just entered the fourth term of governance since 1994. In its lifespan, there has been many attempts to weaken it, splinter groups meant to dissipate it and agent provocateurs within it hell bent to push an anti-alliance isolationist approach; these have all been periodically defeated. The ANC has always emerged a winner and strong with its alliance.

As we sail together towards the centenary in 2012, we can only enter that momentous year on a higher plane through more dedication to the program of social transformation that we set ourselves in our election manifesto. We need an expedited program of rural development; turning around our education with free education being phased in; an increase fight against crime and corruption that is eating the very fabric of our society and a creation of decent and quality jobs for the economic active South Africans to be employed.

The YCL wishes the ANC well and says Happy 98th Birthday ANC!