The African National Congress: A Century of Struggle and Leadership in South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC) stands as a powerful social-democratic political party in South Africa, a nation it has led since the monumental shift to democracy in 1994. Its journey to power began with the election of the revered lawyer, activist, and former political prisoner, Nelson Mandela, during the country's very first free and fair elections. Since that historic moment, the ANC has consistently been re-elected in every subsequent national poll, demonstrating its enduring influence, though its majority has seen a gradual reduction since 2004. Currently, Cyril Ramaphosa, who also serves as the incumbent President of South Africa, has held the position of President of the ANC since December 18, 2017.

Founding Vision: Uniting a Nation Against Injustice

The roots of the ANC stretch back to January 8, 1912, when it was founded by John Langalibalele Dube in Bloemfontein. Initially known as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), its foundational mission was both profound and urgent: to forge unity among all Africans, to fiercely defend their inherent rights, and to secure their freedoms. This ambitious vision specifically encompassed the crucial goals of granting full voting rights to both Black South Africans and mixed-race South Africans, and to dismantle the deeply entrenched and dehumanizing system of apartheid. This system, characterized by institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, had been systematically introduced by the National Party government following their electoral victory in 1948, casting a long, dark shadow over the nation.

The Fight for Freedom: From Non-Violence to Armed Resistance

For many years, the ANC initially championed a strategy of non-violent protests as its primary tool to combat apartheid. However, this approach was tragically undermined by escalating state violence. A pivotal and harrowing turning point came with the Sharpeville massacre in March 1960. During this horrific event, 69 unarmed Black South Africans were brutally shot and killed by police, with hundreds more wounded, while peacefully demonstrating. This act of state brutality irrevocably deteriorated relations between the ANC and the White minority government. In response, on April 8, 1960, Governor-General Charles Robberts Swart declared the ANC an illegal organization, a ban that would cruelly endure for the next three decades. Forced underground and into exile, the ANC made the agonizing decision to form its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, meaning "Spear of the Nation," to wage a determined fight against apartheid using guerrilla warfare and acts of sabotage.

The Dawn of Democracy: A Nation Transformed

After three decades of being outlawed, during which countless ANC members were imprisoned, tortured, or forced to flee abroad, South Africa began its slow, arduous, but ultimately triumphant march towards a full non-racial democracy. On February 3, 1990, the then State President F. W. de Klerk made the historic decision to repeal the ban on the ANC and, just days later, released the iconic Nelson Mandela from Victor Verster Prison on February 11, 1990. This set the stage for a dramatic transition. On March 17, 1992, a referendum on the continuation of apartheid was held, though controversially, only White South Africans were permitted to vote. Overwhelmingly, the majority of this electorate voted to abolish the system. This paved the way for the ANC to contest the 1994 general election – an election that, for the very first time in South African history, extended the right to vote to all its citizens, regardless of their race. It's also important to note that in the intense lead-up to these pivotal elections, the nation witnessed moments of profound tension, including the Shell House massacre, a tragic shooting incident that occurred at the ANC's headquarters in central Johannesburg in 1994.

The ANC in Power: Achievements and Challenges

Since its ascension to power in 1994, the African National Congress has consistently performed strongly in all general elections, securing more than 55% of the vote. However, the most recent 2019 general election marked a significant moment for the party, as it recorded its lowest electoral result to date. Over the past decade, specifically since 2011, the ANC has faced numerous challenges, becoming embroiled in a series of controversies. This period has seen the party steadily losing ground to smaller, emerging political entities, reflecting the evolving political landscape of South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About the African National Congress (ANC)

What is the African National Congress (ANC)?

The African National Congress (ANC) is a social-democratic political party in South Africa, which has been the ruling party since the first democratic elections in 1994.

When was the ANC founded?

The ANC was founded on January 8, 1912.

Who founded the ANC?

The ANC was founded by John Langalibalele Dube.

What was the ANC's primary mission?

Its primary mission was to unite all Africans, defend their rights and freedoms, secure voting rights for Black and mixed-race South Africans, and end the apartheid system.

Who was the first president of democratic South Africa from the ANC?

Nelson Mandela was the first president of democratic South Africa, elected in 1994.

Who is the current President of the ANC?

Cyril Ramaphosa is the current President of the ANC, a position he has held since December 18, 2017.

What was Umkhonto we Sizwe?

Umkhonto we Sizwe, meaning "Spear of the Nation," was the armed wing of the ANC, formed to fight against apartheid using guerrilla warfare and sabotage after the ANC was declared illegal.