President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the critical need for the African National Congress (ANC) to restore public trust to ensure its continued relevance and survival.
Addressing the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla in Kempton Park on Saturday, 25 January 2025, Ramaphosa highlighted the critical need for renewal and decisive action to restore the party’s standing among South Africans.
The lekgotla, a strategic gathering of the ANC’s top leadership, is dedicated to formulating the party’s Programme of Action for 2025. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula highlighted that this initiative aims to align both governmental and organisational priorities to deliver a better life for all South Africans. Decisions made during this assembly are set to influence key national policies.
Addressing the attendees, President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of the lekgotla in assessing the ANC’s progress in utilising state power to advance the National Democratic Revolution. He stated, “Our lekgotla presents us with an opportunity to assess the progress that the movement has made in using state power to pursue the National Democratic Revolution.” He further emphasised the need to propose enhancements for the party’s work both within the ANC and in government.
Ramaphosa painted a picture of a world grappling with rising geopolitical tensions, nationalism, protectionism, and increasing debt levels, especially among poorer nations. He noted that these global challenges manifest domestically as slow economic growth, persistent poverty, inequality, and unemployment, leading to various social issues. He remarked, “We gather at a time when there are rising geopolitical tensions around the world… all these factors combined undermine economic and political stability in developing economies.”
In the South African context, Ramaphosa highlighted the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, coupled with issues like crime, gender-based violence, and service delivery challenges. He stressed the ANC’s responsibility to provide leadership in addressing these issues, especially in an environment where the party no longer holds a national majority and leads a government of national unity with nine other political parties.
The President called for a focus on economic growth through massive job-creating projects in infrastructure, industrialisation, the emerging green economy, and digital technologies. He also emphasised the importance of addressing the basic needs of citizens in areas such as health, education, and safety.
Reflecting on the ANC’s diminished public trust, as evidenced by weakened electoral outcomes, Ramaphosa urged the party to take urgent and focused action to regain this trust, warning that failure to do so could lead to the party’s demise. He stated, “It has become increasingly clear that the ANC, having lost the trust of our people… needs to take urgent and focused action to regain the trust that we have lost, failing which we will perish.”
He outlined the necessity of building strong branches as vibrant centres of community life, integral to all aspects of community organising. Ramaphosa urged ANC structures and leaders to commit to community involvement, stating that without a strong organisation, the ANC cannot rightfully claim to be a leader of society or hold state power effectively.
The President also highlighted the importance of ideological development among ANC members, urging them to enhance their understanding of the party’s history, mission, and values. He recounted an instance where a senior leader was unable to explain the National Democratic Revolution, underscoring the need for members to be well-versed in the content and character of the ANC’s struggle.
Ramaphosa called for the ANC to foster a sense of civic responsibility and promote participatory democracy. He encouraged branches to develop action plans in collaboration with local government to address issues such as infrastructure maintenance and assisting vulnerable citizens in accessing government services.
In addressing the energy crisis, Ramaphosa commended the government’s efforts in ending load shedding, noting that the country has gone over 300 days without power cuts. However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by communities still affected by power issues and emphasised the need to address water insecurity with the same determination.
The President reiterated the ANC’s commitment to building a better Africa and a better world, guided by principles of international solidarity, human rights, anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, and pan-Africanism. He highlighted the party’s dedication to strengthening regional bodies like SADC and promoting peace throughout the continent.
In conclusion, Ramaphosa urged the ANC to take a sober-minded look at its progress, prioritise initiatives within applicable time frames and available resources, and continue executing the National Democratic Revolution. He stated, “This is a time of renewal and rebuilding… we need to regain the trust that our people have invested in us.”
The lekgotla continues as the ANC leadership deliberates on strategies to address the nation’s challenges and chart a course for the future.
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