The image of African National Congress (ANC) supporters holding a cloth depicting Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC’s 112th anniversary rally in Mbombela on January 13, 2024, perfectly illustrates the supporters’ passionate commitment to their political party. The rally marks the start of activities to launch the ANC’s manifesto, with President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking to a crowd of party volunteers in Inanda, north of Durban.
In his speech, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of volunteers in the upcoming election campaign, saying their support demonstrated the ruling party’s imminent victory. He also highlighted the imminent release of the ANC manifesto, highlighting the party’s achievements over the past 30 years in improving the lives of South African citizens. The commitment of ANC supporters was underlined by the massive booking of hotels in Durban ahead of the manifesto launch, with thousands of supporters expected at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Despite challenges posed by opposition parties such as the IFP, DA, EFF and the new MK party, Ramaphosa remains confident of the ANC’s imminent electoral victory. He announced that the date of the upcoming elections would be communicated within the next two weeks.
This unprecedented mobilization of ANC supporters and the enthusiasm generated by Ramaphosa’s speech illustrate the political dynamics in South Africa in the run-up to the elections. The symbolic image of supporters carrying the effigy of their leader embodies the spirit of solidarity and dedication which animates the ANC movement, and foreshadows an exciting and contested electoral campaign.