Johannesburg, 6 August 2025 — The African National Congress (ANC) has released a statement following its National Executive Committee (NEC) Ordinary Meeting held from 1 to 4 August 2025. Convened under the banner of the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, the meeting addressed a range of domestic and international issues, reaffirming the party’s commitment to its 2024 Manifesto and the resolutions of the 55th National Conference.
The NEC met during Women’s Month, marking the 69th Anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March and 30 years since the national day commemorating progress in women’s emancipation. The ANC reiterated its stance against gender-based violence and femicide, aligning its focus with the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All.”
Geopolitical Developments
The NEC welcomed the outcomes of the Liberation Movements Summit and emphasized South Africa’s role in defending multilateralism and economic sovereignty. It condemned foreign-imposed punitive tariffs, particularly those from the United States, and endorsed government interventions including the establishment of an Export Support Desk and targeted industrial resilience funds.
The ANC criticized the Democratic Alliance’s response to these measures, accusing it of promoting deregulation and undermining Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment. The NEC described such positions as neo-imperialist and reaffirmed its commitment to economic transformation rooted in the principles of the Freedom Charter.
Economic and Infrastructure Updates
The NEC noted improvements in Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor, now at 70%, citing it as a milestone in the Energy Action Plan. It called for similar progress in water, logistics, and public infrastructure sectors.
National Dialogue and GNU
Preparations for the National Dialogue, scheduled for 15–17 August 2025, are underway. The ANC described the initiative as a citizen-led effort to build a new social compact addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
On the Government of National Unity (GNU), the NEC assessed its performance since the 2024 elections and emphasized its role as a tactical mechanism for inclusive governance. The NEC resolved to reset the GNU, broaden participation, and reaffirm its strategic purpose.
Organisational Renewal
ANC membership has increased by 19.5% since June 2025, with 809,361 members in good standing. The NEC stressed the importance of political education, noting that over 108,000 members have completed modules of the Foundation Course. Regional Conferences are on track, with 45 of 52 regions expected to convene by December 2025.
The NEC highlighted progress in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, while calling for structural reconfiguration in the Western Cape. National Subcommittees will be deployed to reinforce discipline and capacity in the province.
Electoral Strategy and Alliances
The NEC will hold a dedicated meeting on Local Government challenges and interventions. It also confirmed that the National General Council (NGC) will take place from 8–12 December 2025 at Nasrec Expo Centre, with 1,600 delegates expected.
The ANC expressed disagreement with the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) decision to contest Local Government Elections independently, warning of its potential impact on the National Democratic Revolution. Nonetheless, it acknowledged the SACP’s autonomy and pledged continued engagement.
Governance and Integrity
The NEC reviewed the Integrity Committee’s report, referring matters to National Officials. Disciplinary updates included the dismissal of Comrade Obed Bapela’s appeal, with proceedings ongoing.
Commemorations and Events
The NEC noted upcoming reburial programmes and extended condolences to recently deceased comrades. It confirmed that the January 8th rally will be hosted in the North West province.
