The African National Congress (ANC) will deliver its annual January 8 Statement at Moruleng Stadium in North West province next week as the party marks its 114th anniversary. President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to present the statement, which sets out the party’s priorities for the year and will be closely watched ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

News24 reported that senior officials have warned there is no space for rhetoric or arrogance as the ANC tries to win back support after a historically low vote share in 2024.

Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the ANC recognises that communities want better governance and consequences for poor performance. In a year-end message, she noted that the party’s support base expects “delivery to matter more than promises” and that deployees must be held accountable.

Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula echoed those concerns in his mid-term report, admitting the ANC failed to heed warning signs before the 2024 national and provincial polls and that poor service delivery contributed significantly to its decline.

During preparations for the January 8 event, the ANC’s National Executive Committee has been meeting in Rustenburg to finalise the statement and strategise for upcoming elections. Mbalula told members that the party’s 2026 campaign will rely on a four-phase plan that includes establishing election structures in every province, training thousands of volunteers and fielding “dedicated, honest and competent candidates”. The plan seeks to mobilise voters door‑to‑door and improve service delivery across municipalities.

The January 8 Statement is expected to focus on economic recovery, job creation, anti‑corruption measures and strengthening the Government of National Unity, according to reports in Central News.

The party hopes to address high unemployment (estimated at about 32% nationally and 45% among youth) and to reassure supporters that it can manage coalition governance effectively. The North West venue was chosen partly because the province has experienced significant mining job losses and youth unemployment, issues the ANC wants to highlight.

Alliance tensions also loom over the celebrations. The South African Communist Party (SACP) said it will attend the rally despite clashes with the ANC over the SACP’s decision to contest future local elections independently.

The ANC responded by barring SACP members from its election planning structures, although both sides say they remain committed to alliance discussions. Political analysts have warned that the dispute could affect unity and voter perception.

In addition to the political programme, the ANC plans to honour local customs by visiting traditional leaders in the area before the rally, and the event will include messages of support from alliance partners and cultural performances. The party hopes the statement will demonstrate a break from “slogan‑driven” politics and convince disenchanted supporters that it is serious about renewal and service delivery.