The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal rallied members at Ohlange in Inanda to mark Freedom Day and prepare for upcoming local government elections. Leaders reflected on the party's liberation legacy amid calls for renewal after heavy losses in the 2024 general election. Speakers urged reconnection with communities and improved service delivery.
Supporters of the African National Congress gathered at Ohlange High School, the burial site of the party's first president John Langalibalele Dube and where Nelson Mandela cast his first democratic vote in 1994. The KwaZulu-Natal branch used the Freedom Day event to highlight its liberation credentials while pushing a renewal programme after securing just 17% in the 2024 general election in the province.
Dube's grandson, Langa Dube, urged the ANC to partner with communities to safeguard the nation's freedom. "We seem to not want to rise to that and say how do we reinvigorate and reconnect with the masses. There are certain services 32 years later, that we are not grumbling about. It’s quite telling. It would be a huge disappointment to Madiba if he could rise tomorrow, and John Dube, to see what they had been advocating, is still not yet achieved," Dube said.
Provincial Task Team convener Mike Mabuyakhulu addressed the crowd, recommitting the party to correcting past errors, serving residents and tackling their challenges. He called on members to choose credible candidates for the polls. "As our forbears dealt with the challenges then, we are up to the task of dealing with the current challenges particularly of youth unemployment, the challenges of ensuring there is consistent supply of services," Mabuyakhulu said.
The ANC aims to reclaim councils in KwaZulu-Natal amid competition from parties including the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, uMkhonto weSizwe Party and Economic Freedom Fighters. Whether the rally will reverse its fortunes remains to be seen.
