Cyril Ramaphosa ANC

Photo: Athi Geleba / Twitter / GCIS

ANC January 8 statement: Ramaphosa to lay out plans for the year

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s predecessors Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki are said to have contributed, making inputs to the statement

Cyril Ramaphosa ANC

Photo: Athi Geleba / Twitter / GCIS

The African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the party’s January 8 statement on Friday, 8 January 2021, in commemoration of its 109 years of existence.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be held virtually – a far cry from the annual extravaganza which draws thousands of supporters.

The annual January 8 statement usually sees the party laying out its plans for the year.

“For the first time in our history, January 8 will be held under extraordinary circumstances imposed on us by the Covid-19 pandemic. There will be a significant departure from past practices,” the head of the ANC’s organising committee Nomvula  Mokonyane said.

Mokonyane had outlined the party’s plans ahead of the event and Ramaphosa’s speech.

“As you are aware, there will be no mass rally as on previous occasions. This is part of our commitment towards preserving lives in the midst of this deadly virus. As a leader of society, we have a duty to lead by example,”

Head of ANC organising committee, Nomvula Mokonyane

The anniversary will kick off with a number of interviews by the party’s veterans and stalwarts, in which they will be reflecting on the significance of the special day.

What will Ramaphosa say in ANC January 8 statement?

The main program will be chaired by ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe from Luthuli House with the National Executive Committee (NEC) and alliance partners who will be taking part virtually.

With the COVID-19 pandemic having made 2021 almost as unpredictable as the year before, many will be curious as to what the ruling party has in store.

Celebrations limited to 100 people were set to be held in Limpopo, however the ANC ditched those plans following a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.

The ANC is now under immense pressure to prove its dealing with critical issues including corruption – and its contentious ‘step aside’ resolution.

The ANC also acknowledged the current COVID-19 lockdown and called on South Africans to comply with all measures intended to curb the spread of the virus.

 “Unless we observe the basic protocols, this second wave will leave untold miseries and devastations of unimaginable proportions. Let us not let our guard down. Let us make the wearing of masks a way of life, practice good hygiene, observe social distancing and avoid large gatherings,” Mokonyane said.