ANC STATEMENT ON OUR READINESS FOR THE WEEDEND CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

The African National Congress has reached the milestone event of celebrating its 100 years. Today we stand on the verge of what has been hailed and embraced as a historic event that has not been precedented on the African Continent. We want to confirm that this will truly serve as the benchmark for many organisations in the continent, the diaspora and the world over. This we have achieved as a result of the faith our people have shown in our glorious organization.

For the ANC this event is important for numerous reasons, but key amongst those is the fact that in the 100 years of its existence we remain relevant to the situation in South Africa, the continent and the world. Secondly, the ANC continues to embody the ideals of a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic country. The prestige and importance of this event is evident given the international interest it has generated for historic and concurrent roles South Africa plays in the affairs of the region, the continent and the world.

Today we want to confirm that a total of 46 sitting Heads of state has confirmed their attendance. Amongst former Heads of State we confirmation from amongst others are; Pres. Rawlings from Ghana, Sam Nujoma, Kenneth Kaunda and Joachim Chissano. We also have confirmation from 80 fraternal parties in the like of MPLA, SWAPO, FRELIMO, PAIGC, the Norwegian Labour Party, Communist Party of Cuba, the German Social Democratic Party, National Congress of India. We have 50 participants from the Anti-Apartheid Movements from all over the world including the families of prominent like the late Father Trevor Huddleston, 24 Eminent persons in the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson. 

In the country we have invited all political parties some of whom have confirmed including the IFP, COPE, APC, UDM and the DA, the Traditional Healers Organisations, Religious and Traditional leaders, organisations of civil society and individuals of good standing in society. Our celebrations will also be graced by the presence of the nine recognized Kings, who are; King Goodwill Zwelithini, Ingwenyama Enock Makhosonke Mabena, Ingwenyama Mbusi Mahlangu, King Lekunutu Cavandish Mota and King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo among others. We will also be graced with the presence of His Majesty Otumfo Ose II, the Asante Hene of the Ashante people of Ghana.

From the clergy and religious leaders, we have confirmation of attendance from the Emeritus Arch-Bishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu and representatives from NICSA which include major faith based organisations, such as the SACC and AACC.

There has also been a resounding interest from our people. It is based on this interest that we will have no less than 100000 people attending this event. The families of the past Presidents of the ANC and other liberation movements have confirmed their attendance. The people of the Free State have responded positively to the event by opening up their doors to many South Africans who could not find accommodation.

The ANC NEC members have started with their mobilization deployments in the Free State province together with the provincial leadership to mobilise our communities in the various regions in the Free State province.

The entertainment programme for the Centenary celebrations will start on the 7th with intercultural performance to be hosted at the Mangaung Outdoor Sports Complex and will continue until the close of the events. Some of the artists that will perform are: Selaelo Selota, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Zahara, Bhudaza, Big Nuzz, L'vovo, Spikiri, 340ML, tidal waves and Hot Stix Mabuse amongst others.

Some of the personalities that will be MCs for entertainment are; Chriselda Kananda, Joe Mafela and Lilian Dube. Dee Jays that will perform at Lochlogan are:Vetkoek vs Mahoota, DJ Sue, DJ C'ndo, DJ China, DJ Claude and many more.

The closing performance dubbed ‘Tshihumbudzo' meaning rememberance of the past and the future of the ANC, will showcase the 100 year history of the ANC in 100 minutes and will include artists like; AKA, Liquideep, Simphiwe Dana, Dorothy Masuku, Kwela Tebza, Malika Ndlovu, Vusi Mahlasela, Twilight, Theatre Organisation, Ray Phiri, Judith Sephuma, Ilse Klink and Soweto Gospel Choir.

All South Africans and people of the continent and the world are again invited to grace this auspicious occasion of the African National Congress. For this purpose they do not need any form of accreditation. The very few people who have been invited for specific activities and events will need to be accredited. For this category the accreditation has started including for the media. The accreditation is at the University of the Free State, Centenary Building, on 206 Nelson Mandela Drive Bloemfontein. Accreditation requirements for South Africans are; drivers license, RSA Green ID book. For foreign nationals, passport/travel documents. For the media; the press card, ID/driver's license for South Africans and for foreign media, passports and press cards. Operating hours for accreditation is 08h00 - 18h00. All accreditation will close on the 8th January 2012, at 14h00. 

Confirmed Programme for 6th to 8th January 2012 in Mangaung 

6th January 2012

06h00 Bloemfontein Guests begin arriving. Leadership, NEC members onwards

09h00 Schoemans Park Deputy President to open the event and have light breakfast with golf participants and open 
 the event by teeing-off with a student from the 
 Alexandra Golf Academy.
 Note: Golf Tournament at two courses Bloemfontein and Schoemans Park

18h00 Presentation of prizes by the TG following the Golf Tournament. The golf tournament is accredited by the ANC and is organised separately.

18h00 Waaihoek, Wesleyan Church, the founding place of the ANC Night Vigil by CRATA and NICSA.

7th January 2012

05h45 Waaihoek Wesleyan Church, the founding place of the ANC, Cleansing and Restoration. This Ceremony takes place at the Marquee at Waaihoek.

09h00 Bloemfontein Arrival of the Heads of State and Government, Onwards Ministers, VIP guests. NEC members, Ministers and or Deputy Ministers to be in attendance to receive those HOS/G arriving in Mangaung. NEC members, Ministers and or Deputy will be scheduled for airport duty.
10h00 Mangaung Outdoor Sports Complex Inter-Cultural Celebrations. President, DP, NEC(members and selected guests). 

14h00 Parking Area For Dinner University of the Free State Arrival of all guests. Guests including NEC members, Ministers and Deputy Ministers arrive at the designated parking area to be accredited and cleared through

VIsta University

14h30 Arrival of guests

16h00 Arrival of the President

16h05 Arrival of Heads of State and Government

16h35 Dinner. Dinner is for 1500 guests. 

23h30 Selected guests depart for the Wesleyan Church, Waaihoek Precinct. Provision is being made for the NEC and Alliance Partners to attend the event at the Wesleyan Church. The Church seats only 150 persons inside.

23h45 Waaihoek Precinct, Wesleyan Church, the founding place of the ANC Arrival of guests. Selected NEC members will be transported by coach from dinner to Waaihoek for the evening ceremony.

23h50 Arrival of the President

Live Music will be provided from 18h00 onwards at Over Flow Areas until 23h30. The Live Music is to cater for our people who would have arrived in Mangaung during the course of the 7th Thereafter, the ceremony from Waaihoek will be broadcast to all 3 Over flow Areas until conclusion. Live entertainment ceases.

8th January 2012

00h00 Lighting of the Centenary Flame. The President will light the Centenary Torch which remains at the Wesleyan Church until it travels to the Stadium.

08h00 Interfaith Service at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the founding place of the ANC Centenary Activities at the Mangaung stadium 

10h00 Arrivals and entertainment

14h00 Start of formal proceedings

16h00 Arrival of Centenary Torch from Waaihoek. A procession will depart Waaihoek to arrive at the Stadium at least 15 minutes before the President speaks. Families of previous Presidents and the current President will form part of the Torch procession.

19h30 - 21h10 TSHIHUMBUDZO the story of the ANC, our past, our future

Statement issued by the African National Congress, January 4 2011

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