Media Statements

The African National Congress (ANC) emerges from this past weekend’s National Lekgotla as a unified, disciplined, and forward-looking organisation, resolutely focused on responding to the challenges facing the people of South Africa. This NEC Lekgotla, which brought together ANC, SACP, COSATU and SANCO leaders, including cadres, and activists of the Mass Democratic Movement, reaffirmed our movement’s commitment to its historic mission: advancing the aspirations of the people and realising the promise of a democratic, just, and inclusive South Africa.

The deliberations were robust, reflective, and thoughtful, drawing on critical lessons from the past while charting a course for the future. The ANC is a resilient organisation, firmly rooted in the understanding that our struggle for a better South Africa is a work in progress, and we are resolute in our efforts to address the economic, social, and political challenges we face.

The Lekgotla endorsed a series of specific resolutions, each one rooted in the lived experiences of our people and designed to address the most pressing issues of the day. We are determined to ensure that the ANC remains a responsive, people-centred movement that is in touch with the realities of South Africans on the ground.

The Lekgotla highlighted the importance of unity and cohesion, for we understand that only a united ANC and its Alliance partners, will be able to effectively implement the resolutions we have adopted. A cohesive ANC, firmly grounded in the values and principles of the Freedom Charter, will be the driving force behind the transformation that our country so desperately needs.

ANC Renewal: Strengthening Our Movement

The ANC has entered a critical phase of renewal, one that is focused on revitalising the organisation and ensuring that it remains rooted in the people’s struggles and aspirations. Central to this renewal is acommitment to rebuilding the ANC as a united, ethical and disciplined organisation capable of meeting the challenges of our time. The Lekgotla highlighted several key resolutions aimed at strengthening the movement, with a focus on expanding membership, deepening political education, and ensuring that the ANC remains a home for all South Africans, especially the working class, poor and marginalised.

One of the key decisions during the Lekgotla was the emphasis on raising the quality of ANC leadership and membership, expanding our presence especially among the youth, professionals and workers, who remain vital to the movement’s future. The ANC has committed to campaigns to recruit and retain members who are committed to the vision, mission and values of the movement.

This will not only ensure that the ANC continues to have a broad base of support, but also that it remains a dynamic organisation that can effectively respond to the changing needs and concerns of the people.

The ANC will invest in campaigns that attract new members and provide platforms for dialogue, debate, and unity within the movement.

Political education remains a central pillar of ANC renewal. The Lekgotla resolved to place renewed emphasis on the ongoing education and ideological development of all members. The ANC recognises that a strong, ideologically grounded movement is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern political and social landscape.

Therefore, the ANC will prioritise political education that engages with the contemporary issues affecting South Africans, including economic transformation, social justice, and governance. The ANC will also strengthen the development of cadres who are well-versed in the ANC’s history, principles, and mission, ensuring that all members are equipped to defend and advance the movement’s goals.

This commitment to ideological clarity will ensure that the ANC remains a relevant force for transformation in South African politics, unafraid to confront difficult questions and offer solutions that are in the best interest of the people.

ANC renewal is about more than just expanding membership or engaging in political education; it is about creating an organisation that is intellectually rigorous, accountable, and ready to confront the challenges of today with the same courage and vision that guided the movement’s founders. Through these efforts, the ANC will continue to be the leader of society, advocating for the transformation of South Africa into a just, democratic, and prosperous society for all.

Commitment to Energy Security and Infrastructure Development
One of the key resolutions from this Lekgotla is the urgent need to accelerate energy security, starting with the stabilisation of Eskom. We welcome the work achieved thus far to stabilise energy availability with over 300 days of uninterrupted supply of electricity. We once more thank the team of patriotic South Africans, working at Eskom for their dedication in resolving this issue under the leadership of the Minister of Energy and Electricity. The ANC has committed to a bold plan to address the energy availability, including expediting the rollout of renewable energy as part of a just energy transition.

Eskom’s challenges are being resolved, and will contribute to economic recovery, industrialisation, and job creation. We welcome the work being done with local government and ESKOM, to resolve the challenges of debt and load-reductions.

In addition to energy security, the Lekgotla stressed the importance of addressing infrastructure backlogs in critical areas such as water, sanitation, and transportation (roads and rail). We resolved to prioritise investments in these sectors, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where many people still lack access to basic services.

A dedicated task team in government, will oversee the development and maintenance of water resource systems to ensure that all communities have access to clean and potable water. The existence of water-tank mafias, illegal connections and vandalising of infrastructure must be tackled without any reservation.

This will also include tackling the inefficiencies and corruption that often delay service delivery. The ANC understands that infrastructure is a vital pillar of economic growth, and we are committed to ensuring that all South Africans, regardless of where they live, have access to the services they need.

Economic Transformation and Fighting Unemployment

Economic transformation remains a key focus area of the ANC Makgotla. Lekgotla deliberations centred around the issues of consolidating the mass employment programmes, financial sector transformation,  the digital economy and the new industrial policy approach.

We have a range of Public Employment Programmes, such as the EPWP, CWP, youth service, amongst others, but these are disjointed and not making the full impact required given the unemployment crisis we face. The lekgotla therefore received a report on the review of all these programmes, with a view to consolidate into an overall nation-wide and multi sectoral mass employment programme, that has scale and impact.The Lekgotla reaffirmed our commitment to an inclusive economy, where economic opportunities are accessible to all, particularly the youth, women, and rural communities who have historically been excluded from meaningful economic participation.

The ANC is committed to creating an economy that works for all citizens, with a focus on job creation and industrialisation in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mineral beneficiation, digital economy and the green economy.

We are also focusing on reducing youth unemployment by introducing targeted skills development programmes, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. Young people have an advantage in the digital age, and we will ensure that our education and skills provide them with the skills for the digital economy, as well as continue to reduce the cost of data and bridging the digital divide.

Our economic vision also includes supporting Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs). The ANC understands that these businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive. Through targeted support, including access to finance, training, and markets, we will empower SMMEs to create jobs and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.

The resolution to focus on economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth, will create a fairer and more equitable economy for all South Africans. A number of laws to facilitate SME development, such as the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act and the Public Procurement Act have been enacted, and there is a strengthened legal framework to advance SMMEs, cooperatives and the township and village economy.

Lekgotla also welcomed the ascending into law of the Expropriation Act, which will be utilised to ensure security of tenure, accelerate land claims along with the now full-time Land Claims Court and speeding up land redistribution for agriculture and housing.

Revitalising Public Transport and PRASA: Rebuilding Rail Networks and Logistics

A major focus of the Lekgotla was the urgent need to revitalise South Africa’s public transport systems, particularly the rail network. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is a key player in ensuring affordable, reliable, and efficient public transport, especially for working-class South Africans who rely on trains to get to work. The ANC acknowledges the deep challenges that PRASA faces, including infrastructure decay, financial mismanagement, and security concerns that have hampered its service delivery.

In response, the Lekgotla adopted a resolution to rebuild South Africa’s rail network, with a clear focus on modernising rail infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the security of commuters.

We have resolved to prioritise significant investments into PRASA and other key public transport projects, particularly the rehabilitation of rail infrastructure across the country. This includes improving station facilities, and enhancing security measures to ensure the safety of passengers. Furthermore, work must be done to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rail network can integrate effectively into the broader logistics and transportation framework of South Africa, enhancing connectivity between rural and urban areas and improving the overall functioning of the economy.

The ANC’s broader approach to transport reform includes addressing the inefficiencies in the logistics sector. We recognise that an efficient and well-integrated logistics system is crucial for economic growth, reducing transportation costs for businesses, and improving competitiveness in both local and global markets. The Lekgotla emphasised the need for government to work with private sector partners to address key bottlenecks in South Africa’s transport and logistics networks, ensuring that goods are moved efficiently, reliably, and at a reduced cost.

Strengthening Local Government for Better Service Delivery

The ANC Lekgotla recognised the critical role that local government plays in the lives of South Africans.

The effectiveness of municipalities in delivering services such as water, sanitation, and housing is fundamental to improving the quality of life for all citizens. However, many municipalities are struggling with inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of capacity. In response, the ANC has adopted a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening local government and improving service delivery.

Our local government team will strengthen its work with municipalities to address service delivery backlogs and ensure that citizens in all areas, especially rural and underserved regions, receive the services they need. This will include improving the governance and management of municipalities, ensuring that officials are held accountable for service delivery failures, and making sure that resources are used efficiently.

The ANC is committed to increasing the capacity of municipalities, through the District Development Model to deliver quality services and ensuring that municipalities have the necessary resources, systems, and personnel in place to function effectively.The ANC Lekgotla also resolved to invest in the political and administrative leadership at the local government level. By focusing on building the leadership capacity of local government officials, we will ensure that municipalities are better equipped to address the needs of their communities. Stronger leadership and effective governance at the local level will improve service delivery and contribute to the overall goal of creating a better South Africa for all.

The Lekgotla also welcomes the process of review of the local architecture and the funding model.

Investing in People: Education, Health, and Research Development

Investing in the education, health, and well-being of our people, alongside research and development, remains central to the ANC’s vision for national development and economic growth. The ANC is committed to ensuring that every South African has access to quality education and healthcare, and that our research and development efforts drive innovation and sustainable progress.

We reaffirm our commitment to the National Development Plan (NDP) target of Gross Expenditure in Research and Development (GERD) reaching 1.1% of GDP, with contributions from state-owned enterprises, the public sector, and private entities. This focus on research and development will be vital for building a competitive, knowledge-driven economy that can create sustainable jobs and respond to the complex challenges we face.

In line with the ANC Manifesto, we will prioritise Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a foundation for lifelong learning. The ANC believes that investing in ECD is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

We will also continue to focus on improving the quality of learning and teaching in public schools, with an emphasis on expanding bilingual education in mother tongues to ensure better outcomes for learners across the country. Furthermore, the ANC remains dedicated to improving school infrastructure, especially in rural and under-resourced areas, to ensure that every student has access to a safe, conducive learning environment. These are fundamental building blocks for producing skilled, capable citizens who can contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation.

The Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector will be a key driver of our human capital

development agenda. The ANC is committed to expanding opportunities for post-school education, as outlined in the latest National Skills Plan (2024). To this end, we will accelerate the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to meet the NDP target of 2.5 million places.We will ensure that the curriculum offerings at these institutions align with the needs of the economy, focusing on sectors that can drive growth, such as renewable energy, agriculture, and information technology. The ANC also acknowledges the need to address critical issues such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, the availability of student accommodation, and the challenge of graduate unemployment, particularly in the health sector.

These issues will be tackled head-on to ensure that more young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access higher education and enter the workforce with the skills they need.

In the area of health, the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) remains a priority. We are committed to building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system that provides universal access to quality care for all South Africans. This year, we will focus on improving public health infrastructure, tackling HIV and TB, and addressing the challenges within the healthcare workforce.

Of particular concern is the alarming increase in HIV infections among young people, particularly adolescent girls, and the troubling rise in teenage pregnancies. The ANC has resolved to prioritise education campaigns that promote safe sexual practices and health literacy, alongside providing better access to sexual and reproductive health services. We will ensure that interventions are designed to empower young people to make informed choices, and we will work with communities to combat the social and economic factors that contribute to these issues.

The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which seeks to provide a more inclusive, fair, and accountable education system, was also highlighted during the Lekgotla as a key tool for advancing educational transformation. The BELA Act aims to strengthen governance in schools, promote inclusivity for learners with disabilities, and ensure that every child’s right to quality education is upheld. The ANC will continue to push for the full implementation of this Act, ensuring that it achieves its intended outcomes.

The ANC reaffirms that investment in people is the cornerstone of the nation’s future prosperity. By prioritising quality education, accessible healthcare, and a robust research and development framework, we will build a society where every citizen can realise their full potential. Our commitment to these goals is unwavering, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that the youth, women, and all South Africans benefit from these transformative investments.

Condolences to the Families of Fallen SANDF Soldiers in the DRC

The ANC extends its deepest condolences to the families of the SANDF soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the UN Mission deployed in the eastern DRC.These brave men and women paid the ultimate price in their service to peace and security on the African continent.

The ANC salutes their courage, dedication, and sacrifice in the fight for peace and stability. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time, and we wish a swift recovery to those injured in the attack. As a nation, we stand together in support of the SANDF and the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident.

In line with UN and African Union resolutions and protocols on peacekeeping, we call on the UN Security Council to act on the attacks against UN peacekeepers, and the violation of the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter.

Fight against crime, corruption and GBVF

The lekgotla noted that the South African peace and stability environment is facing a challenging period characterised by the threats of crime, terrorism, and illegal migration, worsened by the scourge of corruption and inefficiencies across government departments and state-owned agencies. The scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continues to persistent in the South African landscape.

▪ Reform, integrate and modernise the Criminal Justice System (CJS): within criminal justice value chain through Human Resources & system integration

Capacitate all role players

▪ Effective border management mechanism: Invest in technology and modernise border

management work through introduction of biometric systems, including Electronic Traveller

Authorisation

▪ Secure the cyberspace: Invest in the development of key legislative platforms, institutional

establishment and capacity building in partnership with private sector role players,

▪ Increased safety in the communities, particularly for women and children: Robustly implement

the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) across all communities and

develop an accountability matrix across all clusters,

▪ Combat priority offences such as economic, commercial, organised crime and corruption:

Effectively synchronise investigative and prosecutorial efforts in addressing all priority offences

and ensure the protection of whistleblowers.International Relations and Solidarity

As South Africa continues to solidify its role as a global leader, the ANC affirms its strong commitment to

the country’s G20 Presidency. The G20 platform provides South Africa with an unparalleled opportunity

to advocate for the interests of the Global South, particularly in addressing issues such as climate change,

sustainable development, and equitable global economic governance. South Africa will use its G20

Presidency to advance initiatives that promote multilateralism, global cooperation, and inclusive

economic growth, particularly in the areas of financing for development and poverty eradication.

The ANC remains steadfast in its support for BRICS, which continues to be a critical pillar of South Africa’s

foreign policy. BRICS provides an important platform for emerging economies to reshape global

governance systems in ways that reflect the realities of a multipolar world.

The ANC will continue to work within BRICS to promote a fairer global order, where the voices of the

Global South are heard and respected. Our continued partnership with BRICS nations will be a driving

force in advocating for the reform of international institutions like the United Nations Security Council

and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ensuring that these bodies better reflect the interests of developing nations.

Looking ahead, the ANC will further engage in initiatives that strengthen South Africa’s role in international affairs. This includes hosting the Liberation Movements Summit in 2025 and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. We remain committed to advancing South-South cooperation, strengthening Africa’s presence on the global stage, and building alliances that support peace, prosperity, and shared development. South Africa’s strategic positioning within both the G20 and BRICS will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global politics and economics.

Battle of Ideas: Ensuring a Transformative Agenda for All South Africans

The ANC’s battle of ideas is about ensuring that the movement’s transformative agenda is understood by society and embraced by all sectors, from the poor and working class to the youth and the middle class.

At the core of this battle is the need for the ANC to be a movement that speaks to the aspirations of all South Africans, particularly those who have historically been marginalised.

The Lekgotla emphasised that the ANC must clearly articulate how its policies and actions will uplift all South Africans and how each section of society, including the youth, workers, and the middle class, can see their dreams and aspirations reflected in the ANC’s work.A central focus of this battle is ensuring that the poor, the youth, and the working class are actively

engaged in the ANC’s vision for economic transformation, job creation, and access to quality services. The ANC remains committed to advancing the economic and social interests of these groups, ensuring that they not only have a voice in the movement but that their needs are met through concrete action.

The Lekgotla resolved that the ANC would prioritize policies that address inequality, poverty, and unemployment while focusing on building an economy that works for all, including youth employment initiatives and support for small businesses.

Equally important in the battle of ideas is the need for an impartial and responsible media sector. The ANC acknowledges the critical role of the media in shaping public discourse and influencing societal change. However, the movement also recognises the challenges posed by biased media narratives and sensationalised reporting that often prioritises gossip over facts.

The Lekgotla resolved that the ANC would work towards ensuring that the media serves as a platform for factual, evidence-based reporting that reflects the true progress being made in society. This includes challenging biased portrayals and promoting the accurate representation of the ANC’s transformative agenda, as well as highlighting the voices and concerns of ordinary South Africans in a fair and balanced manner.

In advancing this battle of ideas, the ANC will continue to engage with different sectors of society and media organisations to foster a deeper understanding of its policies, strategies, and objectives. It is through these efforts that the ANC will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive South Africa where every citizen can see themselves in the vision of the country’s future.

Building a South Africa that belongs to all through National Dialogue

Implement the programme and roadmap announced by President Ramaphosa in December by placing the people at the centre of the process.

It supports the holding of an inclusive, democratic and representative process that encourages full participation, following the tradition of the Freedom Charter and negotiations for a democratically agreed constitution.

The process must reignite hope and citizen’s participation on issues that matter most to the people.

Among the areas that should be discussed are:

• The economy and jobs
• Poverty, Inequality and hunger• Governance
• Crime and lawlessness
• Nation building and social cohesion
• Advancing constitutional rights and principles
• Participatory democracy and an active citizenry
• Land reform

The ANC should work with the Alliance, MDM and progressive civil society to participate in a meaningful

and coherent way and build consensus on key issues.

Reflection on the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter

Finally, the Lekgotla reflected on the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a seminal moment in our history that serves as a reminder of the vision of a free, non-racial, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. This milestone provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our progress, recommit to the ideals set out by the people in 1955, and galvanise efforts towards realising those goals. As we look to the future, the ANC remains resolute in its commitment to building a South Africa that belongs to all, rooted in equality, justice, and human dignity.

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