While the ANC and its top leaders celebrated the party’s 111th birthday at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, Free State, some party members slipped out of the stadium and visited a nearby shebeen.
Some of those sitting at the tavern seemed completely dronk even before the president of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa, made his annual January 8 speech.
Historically, the January 8 statement is meant to set the tone for the party’s ambitions and government business for the year ahead.
For those sitting at the nearby watering hole, the January 8 statement formed part of the end of the December holidays and the return to ordinary life for most employees today.
Some sang Struggle songs while suiping beer, while others danced and enjoyed a visit to a new province.
The Star spoke to James Combrink, 40, from Kimberley, who said he was enjoying his beers and celebrating with the ANC. Combrink said he was not afraid of being seen with alcohol at the event.
“We are celebrating with the ANC because they have done a lot for us. This is the only party for now that can create a better future for us,” he added.
Combrink said while South Africa was faced with different challenges that made the future seem bleak for young people, there was hope in the ANC.
“I think the current leadership should give a chance to the younger generation to lead because the ANC is still a good party. But we just need fresh blood to take the mandate forward,” he added.
Fellow ANC supporter Thomas Riba, who was also enjoying his time at the tavern, said he and other supporters had driven from Limpopo.
Riba said he was interested in the events inside the stadium but that he was tired from the journey and wanted to relax at the tavern with ‘n glas bier.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula had earlier warned that ANC members and supporters should refrain from any acts that would bring the party into disrepute during the celebrations.
The ANC would trade the popping of champagne bottles for the releasing of doves. Its birthday cake would also be donated to a children’s home.
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