ANC FIRST LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

 

ANC FIRST LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

Today, the Three-Day National Lekgotla of the African National Congress got under way. It began with  President Cyril Ramaphosa’s presentation of a political overview outlining the strategic context and  priorities to guide the discussions and deliberations of this important gathering, along with messages of support from our Alliance Partners.  

The Lekgotla, which brings together the ANC leadership, alliance partners, and other stakeholders, is an opportunity to evaluate progress, address challenges, and chart a way forward in advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and the aspirations of the Freedom Charter.  Setting the Context for the Lekgotla  President Ramaphosa’s political overview emphasized the broad national and global factors shaping this year’s Lekgotla, including the theme for 2025: “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!”  As the ANC celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, the President reminded the gathering that the society envisioned in the Charter remains unrealized due to persistent challenges such as racism, patriarchy, inequality, and economic exclusion. 

These realities underline the need for the ANC to remain resolute in its mission to achieve the vision of the Freedom Charter and lead the transformation agenda.  National and Global Challenges  The President highlighted key challenges shaping the domestic and global context. Domestically, the  persistence of the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality remains a critical issue. There is a pressing need to address ongoing service delivery issues, crime, gender-based violence, and the high cost of living. 

Strengthening the ANC’s role in the Government of National Unity (GNU) is crucial to ensuring the implementation of ANC resolutions and policies.  Globally, rising instability and attacks on multilateralism continue to affect South Africa and the developing world. Increasing conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, along with global economic challenges, exacerbate poverty and unemployment in South Africa, requiring a strategic response.  

Priorities for the Lekgotla Deliberations The President emphasized three urgent and interrelated priorities to guide the Lekgotla discussions. First, the renewal and rebuilding of the ANC must focus on strengthening its structures, especially branches, to serve as vibrant centers of community life. 

The renewal agenda must prioritize restoring public trust and ensuring the ANC remains a decisive and ethical leader. Second, economic growth and job creation must be at the forefront of the ANC’s agenda. Opportunities in manufacturing, the green economy, and digital technologies should be leveraged to stimulate inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

Addressing youth unemployment through targeted education reforms, skills development, and entrepreneurship programmes is critical. Third, improving service delivery and accountability is essential. Efforts must focus on addressing water insecurity and eradicating water mafias that sabotage infrastructure. 

The formalization of informal settlements must be accelerated, and access to basic services for indigent households must be expanded. Developing a comprehensive indigent register will provide critical support to vulnerable households facing rising costs. On eskom's 300 days without loadshedding The African National Congress applauds Eskom’s achievement of over 300 consecutive days without loadshedding, a significant milestone that underscores the progress made under the ANC-led government’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s energy challenges. 

This accomplishment is a direct result of the comprehensive measures outlined in the ANC Manifesto, including the maintenance and refurbishment of Eskom’s infrastructure, additional energy procurement, and the transition to renewable energy sources. Stable energy supply is key to unlocking economic growth, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for all South Africans. It ensures the uninterrupted operation of schools, hospitals, and businesses while advancing the ANC’s vision of social transformation. 

We commend the dedication of Eskom’s workforce and all stakeholders involved and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring energy security for the benefit of the nation. Accelerating Land Reform and the Expropriation Act The President reaffirmed the importance of accelerating land reform as a key pillar of transformation. The recent enactment of the Expropriation Act provides a legal framework to address historical injustices and promote equitable access to land. 

The Act enables the expropriation of land in the public interest, including for land reform and socio-economic development. Government must prioritize the implementation of the Act to unlock opportunities in agriculture, human settlements, and industrial development. 

 The President noted that land reform is essential not only for justice and redress but also for economic growth and national food security

Global Leadership and Solidarity The President reiterated the ANC’s commitment to building a better Africa and a better world, guided by principles of anti-colonialism, Pan-Africanism, and human rights. South Africa will utilize its G20 Presidency to advance the interests of Africa and the Global South, focusing on green industrialization and the strategic use of critical minerals. 

The ANC will continue to support the struggles for selfdetermination in Palestine and Western Sahara. Looking Ahead The President reminded delegates of the importance of the upcoming National General Council (NGC), scheduled for the second half of the year, as a platform to assess the effectiveness of ANC policies and programmes. This will coincide with celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a moment to recommit to the principles enshrined in this historic document. 

The Lekgotla will deliberate on these priorities and tasks in the coming days, guided by the ANC’s Elections Manifesto, National Conference resolutions, and the January 8th Statement. Conclusion The ANC remains committed to uniting the country, addressing the challenges facing the people, and advancing the aspirations of the Freedom Charter. 

The outcomes of this Lekgotla will chart a path toward renewal, service delivery, and economic transformation, ensuring the ANC remains a trusted and effective instrument of the people.