After a long wait, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his political report to over 4 000 delegates at plenary hall.
His address wasn’t without disruption.

Some of the delegates, mostly from the KZN branch, chanted while he addressed multitudes who filled the venue.

During the address former president Jacob Zuma and his daughter Duduzile emerged from the back of the hall and pandemonium ensued as some delegates cheered, while others shouted his name.

The speech by the president was abruptly and temporarily disrupted before the ANC’s national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, called security to calm the situation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa interrupted by singing as some members chant 'Zuma, Zuma', ahead of the party's political report. #ANC55 #ANCNC55 pic.twitter.com/bDVvnltthy

— Alberton Record (@RecordAlberton) December 16, 2022

When Ramaphosa was eventually allowed to continue his speech he said the day was important because it was the same day that uMkhonto we Sizwe (the ANC’s paramilitary wing) was formed.

“We commend the veterans of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) who have forged a unified association to take forward the legacy and the memory of the people’s army.

“We cannot observe this day without paying tribute to the memory of the chief of staff of MK, Chris Hani. We express our disappointment that his killer has been released on parole,” he said.

Caxton Network News | Highlights from the political report by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Full story to follow. #ANC55 #ANCNC55 pic.twitter.com/o2CGIZYEIz

— Alberton Record (@RecordAlberton) December 16, 2022

The president touched on different issues, which included the state of the nation and progress of the national democratic revolution.

He also touched on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The president further covered issues including constitutional democracy, rights and national unity.

His speech focused on national elections and accountability as well as economic transformation, employment, state capture and corruption.

He also mentioned that in a decade from now, the ANC will celebrate 120 years of existence.

“By 2032, our ambition for the country would be to have realised our goals set out in the National Development Plan (NDP).

“This includes the elimination of poverty and the reduction of inequality. In terms of the NDP, we will need to have increased the number of people in employment to 24 million, ensure that all South Africans have access to electricity, clean running water in their homes and access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Finally, he urged the delegates to respect one another throughout the conference.