The ANC will also officially celebrate 114 years since it was formed in Bloemfontein in 1912, making it Africa’s oldest liberation movement. The party has been commemorating this milestone in Rustenburg throughout the week with various activities taking place.

Activities included a cake-cutting ceremony and door-to-door campaigns, and will conclude with a rally at Moruleng Stadium on Saturday.

The party leader’s address is expected to reflect on the year that was, while outlining the governing party’s priorities and political messaging going into 2026.

Today we honour 114 years of steadfast struggle, visionary leadership, and an unyielding dedication to the freedom, progress, and upliftment of our nation. Happy Birthday ANC!??????

??Cake Cutting Ceremony, Ward 21, Boitekong, Rustenburg#ANC114 #ANCJan82026 #HappyBirthdayANC pic.twitter.com/ybhltdTA9k

— ANC - African National Congress (@MYANC) January 8, 2026

The statement traditionally sets the tone for the ANC’s programme for the year ahead, reflecting on challenges faced by the party and outlining planned interventions under a chosen theme.

“We know that the ANC is currently in a struggle over economic reforms,” said NWU economist Prof Waldo Krugell. “And this weekend’s celebrations will be a good opportunity to see which of the factions are currently in ascendancy.

“Is it the more market-minded, reform-minded groups that want to bring in the private sector to run state-owned enterprises that are in favour of more performance-based measures? Or is it the old ideas of the developmental state that we’ll see more of?”

EWN reported Ramaphosa led a cake-cutting ceremony in Rustenburg on Thursday (8/1) to mark 114 years since the organisation was established.  He emphasised as the ANC continues to age, it must not lose sight of its responsibility to serve the very people who elected it into power.

North West political analyst Prof Kedibone Phago said the ANC celebrating its 114th birthday since its existence is “quite a momentous occasion. This moment of celebration also calls for reflection, where the party needs to look inward and consider how it can consolidate and renew itself.”

“A key factor in regaining public trust will be the party’s ability to hold its deployees in government, local authorities, and state-owned enterprises accountable, an area where it has struggled significantly, contributing to its loss of support across the country.”

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