ANC to launch election manifesto on anniversary next week

The ANC will launch its 2019 election manifesto on the same day as it releases its January 8 Statement marking the party’s 107th anniversary next week.

Addressing media at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, ANC head of elections Fikile Mbalula described the ruling party as “a people’s liberation movement that carries the hopes and dreams of all South Africans”.

He said the ANC was committed to building “a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society. The January 8 Statement exemplifies a rich and proud tradition. It’s a platform through which the ANC connects, not only with its members, but with society at large.

“This 107th anniversary takes place against the backdrop of the fifth democratic elections later this year. For this reason, we will be unveiling the people’s manifesto on the basis of which we will seek to renew our democratic mandate to take South Africa forward and build a better life for all.”

The January 8 Statement would outline the party’s priorities for the year ahead.

This year’s celebrations would be spread across all 11 ANC regions in KwaZulu-Natal, with the main event to be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Inanda.

“Following the release of the statement by President Ramaphosa, the ANC will confer awards on various structures, including its highest honour, the Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe Award, which goes to those who have made an outstanding contribution and sacrifice to the country’s liberation struggle.”

The manifesto launch would take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with overflow venues to avert stampedes. After that, the ANC would host a voter registration beach party “to encourage the youth and first-time voters to register”.

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