By Akani Nkuna
The sun showed no mercy over Moruleng village, but neither did ANC supporters. From the early hours of Saturday morning, the party faithful braved the searing North West heat, pouring into Moruleng Stadium in Ristenburg, North West, to mark the ANC’s 114th birthday in a display of endurance, colour and political theatre.
Draped head-to-toe in the ANC’s black, green and gold, supporters fanned themselves with placards and caps as they claimed their spots on the concrete stands, determined to witness President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver the party’s all-important January 8 Statement — the annual political compass of the movement.
Moruleng, usually a quiet rural village outside Rustenburg, was momentarily transformed into a bustling mini-metropolis.
Convoys of buses rolled in steadily, offloading singing, chanting supporters who spilled into the streets, turning the approach to the stadium into a moving carnival of struggle songs and ululations.
By midday, the stadium was alive with sound and motion, even if the stands were not filled to capacity.
The heat shimmered off the turf as cultural groups – including Diturupa performers dressed in Scottish kilts, took centre stage, setting the tone with rhythmic song and energetic dance.
Palestinian flags fluttered alongside ANC banners, as performers and supporters alike signalled solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The chants of “Free Palestine” echoed repeatedly around the stadium, underscoring the party’s long-standing posture of support for what it describes as oppressed and vulnerable nations on the global stage.
As the political programme unfolded, ANC sub-structures were clearly visible in the stands.
The Women’s League, Youth League and Military Veterans were all acknowledged, their presence reinforcing the party’s messaging of unity and organisational cohesion at a time of electoral pressure.
The rally also drew members of the SACP, COSATU and SANCO.
PHOTOS: Eddie Mtsweni
INSIDE POLITICS