African National Congress President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed critics predicting the party's demise, insisting it will endure for another century. Speaking at the January 8 Statement in Rustenburg, he declared 2026 a year of action to fix local government and the economy.
Cyril Ramaphosa, president of the African National Congress (ANC), addressed concerns about the party's future during the delivery of the January 8 Statement at Moruleng Stadium outside Rustenburg on January 10, 2026. The ANC lost its majority in the 2024 national elections, leading to fears of further declines in the upcoming 2026 local government polls. Currently, the party governs in a Government of National Unity (GNU) with nine other parties.
Ramaphosa rejected predictions of the ANC's end, noting that such claims have persisted throughout the party's 114-year history without success. "Many have not wished us well they have continued to say the ANC is going to die. They have continued to say we are now facing the last years of existence of the ANC. They have said this in the entire 114 years, and we are still around. We are going to be around for the next 114 years as the ANC – whether they like it or not the ANC is here to stay," he stated.
He also highlighted challenges from the South African Communist Party's (SACP) decision to contest future elections independently. Amid these pressures, Ramaphosa announced 2026 as the year of decisive action to revive local government and transform the economy. "We cannot accept dysfunctional, apathetic, uncaring local government. We cannot accept an economy that only works for the few. We cannot bow our heads and accept defeat. Our forebears demonstrated the bravery 114 years ago. We, therefore declare 2026 as the year of decisive action to fix local government and transform the economy," he emphasized.
Communities, Ramaphosa said, can no longer tolerate ineffective local governance, underscoring the need for bold reforms ahead of the polls.
