By Johnathan Paoli
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has emphasised the party’s historic ties to faith communities, highlighting the party’s birthplace at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Mission Church in Bloemfontein in 1912.
Mbalula addressed the congregation at Shekainah Healing Ministries in Philippi in Cape Town on Sunday, as part of the build-up to the party’s January 8 statement and its 113th anniversary celebrations.
“We were born right in the womb of the church and we therefore have our spiritual DNA and umbilical cord as our political compass right here in the house of the Lord,” he said.
Mbalula said the visit to Shekainah Healing Ministries underscored the ANC’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with faith-based organisations as part of its broader renewal campaign.
This initiative aimed to restore trust, unity and integrity within the party and across the nation.
Aligned with the church’s mission of fostering unity and hope, Mbalula called on faith communities to join the ANC in prayer for guidance in addressing the challenges faced by South Africa.
“By building stronger bonds with faith communities, we pave the way for lasting transformation and moral leadership,” Mbalula added.
The January 8 statement is an annual address reflecting on the party’s achievements and outlining its plans for the year.
Mbalula stressed the importance of unity and integrity in leadership as essential components for driving meaningful change and improving the lives of all South Africans.
“The ANC’s mission has always been to deliver a better life for all. By working together with faith communities and mobilising our people, we can achieve that vision,” he said.
Mbalula said the January celebrations would continue to highlight the themes of a shared commitment to social justice and nation building as the party looked toward a future of renewal and growth.
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