ANC 108: Celebrations underway in Northern Cape [photos]

Gates opened to the public at 7:00 on Saturday 11 January, with the official program commencing at 11:00. Included in the festivities for the day will be musical performances by local artists.

More than 25 000 African National Congress (ANC) members are expected to attend, with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Blade Nzimande, and Gwede Mantashe among others delivering speeches throughout the day.

Caption: “[Fikile Mbalula] on the 1s and 2s running the morning cultural programme to keep the early risers entertained as they wait for President [Cyril Ramaphosa] to deliver this year’s January 8 Statement. Vutha!” / Image via Twitter: MYANC

Speaking to reporters ahead of the event, Jessie Duarte said that the leadership of the ANC is “on top of the challenges confronting the province in the Northern Cape.”

Caption: “ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte conducts interviews with media organisations ahead of the ANC 108 anniversary celebrations currently underway in Kimberley, the Northern Cape”. / Image via Twitter: @MYANC

Also in attendance today will be Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, who “saluted [the president] for keeping strong the vision that Nelson Mandela had”.

“We as Ethiopians continued to be inspired by Madiba’s service to humanity […] We will always remember Madiba for his enduring values of peace, moral leadership, transfer leadership to next gen.”

Prime Minister Abiy

Watch: President Ramaphosa welcoming Prime Minister Ahmed

ANC President Cde @CyrilRamaphosa receives Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia 🇪🇹 who is attending the #ANC108 Anniversary celebrations in Kimberley today. PM Abiy is in South Africa on an official visit at the invitation of the President. #ANCNC2020 pic.twitter.com/63ZXDCZvsf

— #ANC108 #ANCNC2020 #Khawuleza (@MYANC) January 11, 2020

ANC Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson, Zamani Saul, delivered the welcome address, while SACP General Secretary, Blade Nzimande Cosatu president, Zingiswa Losi delivered the messages of support.

Caption: “ANC Secretary General [Ace Magashule] has arrived at the Tafel Lager Park stadium in Kimberley ahead of the start of proceedings of the ANC 108 anniversary rally”. / Image via Twitter: @MYANC

According to the party, members have travelled from all over the country to attend the anniversary bash. One such member, Boeta GTammie, travelled more than 600km to attend.

Watch: President Ramaphosa’s address

Posted by MyANC on Saturday, January 11, 2020

It was reported earlier this week that the party allegedly spent R50m on the anniversary bash. The ANC have, however, dismissed these claims.

ANC 108: Gallery

Caption: “Masses of our people who have traveled from all parts of the province are at Tafel Lager Park for the ANC108 rally.” / Image via Twitter: @african-news-agency @MYANC

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  Image via Twitter: @MYANC

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  Caption: “The people and the President”. / Image via Twitter: @NoncebaMhlauli

Caption: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANC. ANC 108 Anniversary celebrations at the Tafel-Lager Stadium in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province.” / Image via Twitter: @GwedeMantashe1

Caption: “The Tafel Lager Stadium #ANC108. The smallest stadium the ANC has ever used for January 8. But we will not dwell on that… It’s a vibe.” / Image via Twitter: @LukhonaMnguni