ANC members braved the hot sun to attend the Jan 8 rally

By Molaole Montsho

ANC supporters braved the scorching sun to attend the January 8 Statement rally in Moruleng in the North West province.

Hundreds of ANC supporters, clad in the party’s signature yellow T-shirts, were bused from different provinces to listen to the ANC’s marching orders for the year.

Some used umbrellas to protect themselves from the baking sun, while others used ANC flags to shield themselves from the burning sun.

Speaking at the rally, Ramaphosa said South Africans must be united and should guard against being divided.

“South Africa cannot be bullied. We refused to be byllied we are South Africans,” he said.

He said minority groups were spreading propaganda to attract solidarity internationally by claiming that the white minority were being murdered in South Africa.

“We refused to be divided,”  he said.

Ranaphosa told the crowd that councillors who do not serve the communities would be recalled.

The ANC is bracing for a hotly contested municipal election in the Bojanala region of the North West province following the formation of new political parties.

The ANC failed in two consecutive municipal elections to win an outright majority in the Rustenburg local municipality.

The party ruled the municipality with the help of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

He said the Letsema programme could help in eradicating potholes in various communities.

In the build up to the January 8 Statement rally, residents of the North West province told ANC leaders that they wanted potholes fixed, they wanted water and an uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Residents also complained about crime.

Ramaphosa said in 2026 the ANC would focus on tackling crime and corruption.

“In Boitekong, people told me that there are those who steal copper cables.”