Rustenburg - ANC members should be role models in communities, party president Jacob Zuma said on Friday night.
“We will continue this year [2016] to build the ANC and the alliance…We expect our cadres to earn the respect of their peers through their conduct, they must be informed by values of honesty and respect of the law, and by serving the community…”
Speaking at the party’s 104th anniversary gala dinner at Sun City near Rustenburg in the North West, Zuma added that the ANC would fight corruption.
“When one member does something wrong, it is said the ANC is corrupt. It is not said so and so did that. That is why we must fight it among individuals.”
He said the ANC had much to do to overcome poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Zuma said the ANC continued to carry the hopes and aspirations of ordinary South Africans.
The ANC turned 104 on Friday.
It was formed on 8 January 1912.
The main birthday celebrations would be held at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng near Rustenburg.
Over 120 000 people were expected in Rustenburg to celebrate the ANC’s birthday, but only 45 000 would be accommodated on the grand stand, while an additional 10 000 would be allowed on the pitch and the rest at the overflow areas where live screening from the stadium would be projected on giant screens.
The party had said in the run-up to the event that divisive t-shirts or songs would not be tolerated.
People attending the event were also warned to bring hats or umbrellas to shield themselves from the sweltering heat.
– African News Agency (ANA)