The ANC in Mpumalanga province has made a dramatic U-turn on its earlier decision barring members from attending the governing party’s January 8 rally in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, this weekend. 

This was after an earlier communique said branches should not travel to the Mother City as the chosen venue is too small to accommodate everyone.

In the communique dated 6 January 2025 and signed by Muzi Chirwa, the provincial secretary, branches were told to focus on planning for the upcoming provincial rally to be held at Kameelriver Stadium in the Nkangala region. 

“As we approach the January 8 celebration, you are hereby advised that after careful consideration, the PEC has taken a decision that our branches will no longer attend the event in Cape Town, Khayelitsha. The main reason for this decision is the small capacity for the venue,” read part of the communique.

The letter has since been rescinded. Chirwa told African Times on Tuesday that their branches would be in Cape Town, but no transport would be provided.

“The Comrades from Mpumalanga will attend January 8 in Cape Town, however, no Transport will be provided as earlier planned. We will be there in numbers,” Chirwa said earlier today. 

Meanwhile, ANC leaders are all over Cape Town mobilizing and meeting with several sectors of the society ahead of the big day. 

The Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment, Jomo Sibiya, held an engagement with the youth and registered work seekers of Mandela Park in Khayelitsha as part of a build up activity. 

The ANC Women’s League, led by its Secretary General, Nokuthula Nqaba visited the Dompas Museum in Langa to pay tribute to the fearless Annie Silinga, a legendary anti-pass laws activist from the Western Cape.