Ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday announced that its yearly January 8 statement will be dedicated to strengthening unity and deepening the renewal of the movement for the sake of future generations.

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the statement on Friday, virtually, in line with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic regulations. 

Addressing the media during a virtual briefing, ANC national executive committee (NEC) member and organiser Nomvula Mokonyane said the ANC NEC was honoured to have been joined by two former party Presidents, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma who gave inputs to help shape the content and direction of the statement.

This year’s logo of the ANC’s 109th anniversary consists of a special insignia, the Baobab Tree.

Mokonyane explained that the oldest living Baobab is estimated to be more than 3 000 years old and added that the tree is renowned for its magical powers and symbolic value to many indigenous African people, as well as its functional usefulness.

“The age and utility of this tree suggests endurance, wisdom, endowment and bounty. In the 109th anniversary celebration of the ANC, the tree symbolises the sustained presence of the ANC in our lives and its ability to weather all manner of storms in pursuit of the liberation of all South Africans,” she said.

The statement is expected to unveil the ANC programme of action for the year.

“In the coming months, we expect all cadres of our movement to respond with practical action to the marching orders, as [will] have been articulated in the January 8 statement. January 8 presents the ANC and the nation with an opportunity to take stock of the progress we have registered and to reflect on the road that still lies ahead,” the party said.

The ANC will use this occasion to reaffirm its collective commitment to the resolutions of the 54th ANC National Conference.

Mokonyane went on to say that Friday’s address is a platform to reassert the ANC as a movement rooted among the people and a leader of society.

She said the address was a moment to draw on the legacy of its founding fathers and mothers and to reorientate the current generation to the values and objectives that inspired the party’s forebears.

As part of the programme, there will be messages of support from ANC Alliance partners, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party.

Unlike in the past, there will be no presentation of awards to ANC structures and leagues that have performed well in the previous year.

Friday’s main event will be preceded by a number of build-up activities from Thursday, including the ANC Youth League’s Peter Mokaba Memorial Lecture, which celebrates the 62nd birthday of deceased former Youth League President Peter Mokaba.

The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) will embark on an uManyano programme in the form of the Charlotte Maxeke inter-generational programme.

“2021 marks 150 years since the birth of the ANCWL’s founding President, Mme Charlotte Maxeke. Therefore, this dialogue seeks to kickstart the yearlong ANCWL’s planned activities to celebrate the life and legacy of Mme Maxeke,” the ANC said.

The main address by the ANC President will kick off at 7pm chaired by ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe from Luthuli House with the NEC, Alliance Partners and other fraternal parties, including invited guests and dignitaries, joining in virtually.