ANC Commemorates 113th Anniversary with Poignant Visit to Robben Island

On a day filled with reflective commemorations and symbolic gestures, the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its 113th anniversary on the historic grounds of Robben Island, underpinned by a profound visit by Cyril Ramaphosa and other prominent party officials. As the governing party of South Africa, the ANC utilized this significant milestone to not only honor its past but also recommit to its future role in advancing the nation’s dignity, equality, and prosperity.

The highlight of the visit was President Ramaphosa's tour of the cell once occupied by Nelson Mandela, the revered ANC stalwart and former President of South Africa, who became a global symbol of resilience and leadership against apartheid. This pilgrimage to Mandela’s cell was not just a mere tribute, but a poignant reminder of the sacrifices endured by many for the freedom of others. Ramaphosa's placing of a stone at the lime quarry, where Mandela and his comrades were subjected to grueling labor, further honored their legacy.

Ramaphosa's reflections were deeply stirring as he addressed the media on the island, saying, “To remember Madiba and to remember the formation of the ANC. So Happy Birthday ANC, and that you were formed, and you struggled to make us all free.” This statement not only underscored the historical significance of the day but also reaffirmed the ANC's foundational role in the struggle against apartheid and its ongoing commitment to the South African populace.

The main anniversary celebrations are set to continue in Cape Town, with the traditional January 8th statement slated to be delivered by Ramaphosa in Khayalitsha on Saturday. This statement is highly anticipated each year as it outlines the party's agenda and future directives.

Adding to the day’s reflections, ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized the solemn responsibility of the party to uphold and protect the gains of liberation. She stated, "We have a responsibility to maintain this illustrious legacy. More importantly, to ensure that which many had died and made sacrifices for is not destroyed in our hands and that we will rebuild."

The ANC’s commitment to revitalization and restoration was forcefully reiterated, with promises to restore the faith of South Africans in the party's ability to catalyze full political and economic emancipation. As South Africa continues to navigate challenges both old and new, the ANC's acknowledgment of its pivotal role in shaping a just and equitable society is a rallying call to its members and leaders alike.

The anniversary event on Robben Island served not merely as a historical commemoration but as a reflective summit from which to renew and affirm the ANC's duties towards South Africa’s future. The legacy of individuals like Mandela and the foundational ethos of the ANC remain integral as guiding principles in this endeavor.