By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress (ANC) has officially launched its “Foundation Course for Renewal and Rebuilding,” aiming to unify and strengthen the party through a mandatory political education programme. Announced by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa during a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, the course seeks to reinforce the party’s values, history, and vision among its members. This education initiative, which all ANC members must complete by December 2026, is a core component of the ANC’s strategy to revitalise its ranks and ensure alignment with its mission and principles.
Overview of the Foundation Course
The ANC’s Foundation Course is designed to equip members with a thorough understanding of the party’s history, vision, and role in South African society. Comprising five essential modules, the programme covers topics such as the history of the ANC, the vision for South Africa, an analysis of the current socio-political landscape, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the responsibilities of ANC branches and members. By January 2025, the ANC aims to implement the course across all its structures, including branches, leagues, and national leadership levels.
This course reflects the ANC’s commitment to fostering a well-informed and principled membership base, as highlighted by ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri. The programme builds on the resolutions from previous ANC National Conferences, which emphasised the need for a unified understanding among members regarding the party’s mission, vision, and core values.
Ramaphosa’s Vision for Renewal
President Ramaphosa has positioned the Foundation Course as a tool to empower ANC members with knowledge that goes beyond mere political training. He noted that “education deepens our understanding of the country we live in, its history, and provides analytical tools.” Through this educational drive, Ramaphosa hopes to instill a renewed sense of purpose and dedication within the ANC, ensuring that every member, regardless of their background or experience, aligns with the party’s values and objectives. The course will be accessible in all official South African languages, enabling wider participation across the diverse ANC membership base.
Modules and Objectives
The Foundation Course is structured around five core modules:
1. The History of the ANC – Covering the ANC’s liberation struggle and evolution over the years.
2. The ANC’s Vision for South Africa – Focusing on its mission to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous nation.
3. The Country and the World Today – Providing a socio-political analysis of the current global landscape and South Africa’s place in it.
4. The Constitution and Bill of Rights – Emphasising the role of the ANC in upholding democratic principles within the framework of the country’s Constitution.
5. Branch and Member Responsibilities – Highlighting ethical conduct, activism, and the organisational duties of ANC branches.The programme aims to foster unity among ANC members, instilling discipline and a deep commitment to the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). It also seeks to enhance the party’s connection with local communities, addressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality through active engagement and shared values.
Implementation and Rollout
The NEC has outlined a detailed rollout plan for the course, beginning with the training of 300 facilitators and three trainers per ANC branch. These trainers will include experienced members from the ANC Women’s League, Youth League, and other alliance partners. Each branch is expected to ensure that members complete the course by December 2025, with advanced training opportunities available for those seeking leadership roles by 2026. Completion of the Foundation Course will become mandatory for members aspiring to leadership or candidacy positions within the party, reinforcing the ANC’s dedication to building a disciplined and knowledgeable leadership cadre.
A Call to Action for Renewal
The Foundation Course is part of a broader ANC initiative for organisational renewal, aimed at addressing internal challenges and restoring public trust in the party. Ramaphosa emphasised the need for cadres with “unquestionable loyalty, dedication, and understanding of the struggle.” This programme is seen as essential in reinvigorating the ANC’s commitment to serving South Africa and upholding its democratic ideals, with a focus on ethical leadership and community engagement.
Empowering Leaders and Enhancing Governance
Beyond the Foundation Course, the ANC will introduce targeted political classes and masterclasses for its leaders and public representatives. These sessions will cover governance strategies, policy development, and ethical leadership, equipping ANC officials to address South Africa’s complex socio-economic challenges effectively. Joint programmes with allied progressive movements are also planned, further reinforcing the ANC’s commitment to a united vision for the country’s future.
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