ANC

The African National Congress (ANC) have cancelled their birthday event scheduled for 8 January 2021 amid COVID-19 related concerns. Photo: GCIS

Contentious ANC birthday bash cancelled as COVID-19 infections spread

The ANC have decided to pull the plug on plans to celebrate their 109th Birthday early next month amid COVID-19 concerns and public scrutiny

ANC

The African National Congress (ANC) have cancelled their birthday event scheduled for 8 January 2021 amid COVID-19 related concerns. Photo: GCIS

After sparking widespread cries of bureaucratic hypocrisy last week, the African National Congress (ANC) have seen fit to cancel their plans to celebrate their 109th birthday bash next month.

The gathering was billed for 8 January 2021 in the Seleteng village, Limpopo, but the sheer audacity of the proposed event – which usually sees nearly 1 000 members congregate –  sent South African citizens into a frenzy. Government regulations recently reintroduced stipulate that gatherings may not host more than 100 people at indoor gatherings, but this change came after the announcement of the event. 

ANC receive ‘poor COVID-19 prognosis’ from Health Minister  

ANC Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte informed the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the decision to cancel the event in favour of a much more civilised affair in which President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses his comrades from his personal residence via a digital stream. 

“Dear comrades, please be advised that after the national officials received a briefing this morning from comrade Zweli Mkhize, and are concerned with the rapid proliferation of infections countrywide, the prognosis is not good,” said Duarte.

“The national officials have taken a decision to cancel all January 8 celebrations countrywide.”

ANC birthday cancelled with ‘cases likely to escalate’

Spokesperson Pule Mabe said in a subsequent statement  that the current spike in cases and deaths as a result of COVID-19 “paints a worrying picture”, adding that that “all indications are that the virus will escalate in terms of the rate of infections in all provinces, other than the Northern Cape.”

“The Officials were unanimous that it was untimely to forge ahead with the celebration in view of the aggressive nature of the pandemic,” he said. “We are of the view that we have to uphold measures that are prescribed to minimise the spread and impact of this pandemic.” 

Duarte had previously clarified that the event, under the unique and challenging circumstances, would only welcome 100 guests, but even this was deemed an unnecessary risk, and as many would South Africans across social media put it, an absolute slap in the face to those who are adhering to safe social distancing and emergency regulations. 

“As the leader of society, ANC believes it would not be responsible to continue with any celebrations where people gather, albeit in smaller groups and small numbers,” said Mabe 

Ramaphosa to address members virtually  

Mabe said that Ramaphosa will will read the January 8 statement via a live stream on all ANC digital platforms. 

“Plans are already underway to ensure that mainstream media houses as well as community media have direct access to the address,” he added

Limpopo will host the event in the 2022, the party confirmed. 

Mabe said that the ruling party “reiterates its call on all South Africans to respect and abide by all regulations that have been announced by the government without any fail”. 

“This will go a long way in preserving lives and ensuring that the rippling effects of the pandemic are contained,” he said.