President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that the ANC will decisively root out criminals, corrupt members, and factionalists as part of its urgent renewal agenda for 2025.

Speaking during the party’s 113th anniversary address at a packed stadium in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Ramaphosa declared that unethical behaviour within the ANC will no longer be tolerated.

“As renewal gains momentum, those whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles – the criminals, the corrupt, the careerists, and the factionalists – will find themselves outside the ANC,” he said. “This is a moment wherein the ANC should either renew or perish.”

According to The Witness, Ramaphosa outlined the ANC’s focus on rebuilding its structures and improving governance to regain public trust after its electoral decline in 2024. This includes strengthening local branches to engage with communities and investing in the ideological and leadership development of members.

He announced the introduction of an ‘accountability framework’ to enforce ethical behaviour across the organisation.

“There shall be consequence management in the entire organisation. We are committed to ensuring that every ANC member reflects the values and vision of the party,” he said.

Job creation a top priority

Revitalising South Africa’s economy remains a top priority for the ANC, with a focus on job creation, particularly for young people. Ramaphosa called for investments in manufacturing, the green economy, and emerging digital technologies to stimulate growth.

“Manufacturing remains the most reliable job creator with the highest multiplier effect,” Ramaphosa noted. “We must revitalise our industrial capacity and build an infrastructure-led economy that delivers opportunities for all South Africans.”

He also announced plans to tackle youth unemployment through education reform, skills development, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Water security threat, GBV

While the president commended progress in resolving South Africa’s energy crisis, he warned of a looming water security threat.

“Water is life, and sanitation is dignity,” he said. “We must apply the lessons learned from dealing with load-shedding to address the water crisis.”

The ANC’s plan includes upgrading aging water infrastructure, combating corruption in water services, and ensuring safe access to water in underserved communities.

Ramaphosa reiterated the ANC’s commitment to fighting crime and gender-based violence (GBV). He welcomed the recruitment of 10 000 new police officers and the establishment of the Border Management Authority to strengthen community safety and border security.

However, he emphasised that GBV remains a crisis that requires urgent action.

“Women across our country continue to live in daily terror of gender-based violence,” Ramaphosa said. “We must unite all sectors of society to eradicate this scourge.”

GNU a ‘necessary’ measure

Defending the ANC’s decision to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) with nine other political parties, Ramaphosa described it as a necessary measure to safeguard progress.

“While being flexible on tactics, we remain firm on principles,” he said. “We are determined to regain public confidence and return as a majority party in the next elections.”