Empty seats steal spotlight at ANC 114 birthday bash

The African National Congress (ANC) is facing renewed criticism over its waning public support after struggling to fill the 20,000-seat Moruleng Stadium during its 114th anniversary celebration in the North West province on Saturday.

Despite claims from ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula that the stadium attracted a full crowd, empty seats were visibly apparent as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the party’s annual January 8 Statement. The event, a key fixture on the ANC’s political calendar, was billed as a launchpad for a year of “decisive action”.

“Thank you to the people of Moruleng for coming out in their numbers,” said Mbalula. “It has been reported that 20,000 people turned up for this rally.” However, photographic evidence and media coverage suggested otherwise.

Political analysts say the underwhelming attendance is symptomatic of deeper organisational and political challenges facing the ANC.

“The stadium was visibly not full, which contrasts with the party’s historical ability to pack out venues of all sizes,” said political commentator Thobani Zikalala. He attributed the turnout to weak mobilisation on the ground and questioned the party’s continued ability to inspire mass public enthusiasm.

“Stadium attendance doesn’t determine electoral success, but it does show whether a party’s ideas still capture the public imagination,” Zikalala noted.

This is not the first time the ruling party has battled to draw large crowds to a major event. Last year’s celebrations in Khayelitsha reportedly faced similar issues, with the ANC failing to fill the Nelson Mandela Park Stadium.

There were also reports that logistical hurdles may have contributed to Saturday’s turnout. According to media sources, the State Security Agency allegedly restricted access to buses transporting supporters and vehicles carrying food parcels, which are often used to draw crowds at political events.

Political analyst Andile Swana said the party missed an opportunity to project competence and unity.

In his address, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the need to revitalise the party at grassroots level. He promised a national campaign aimed at rebuilding ANC branches into active community structures.

“This kind of event should showcase the ANC’s organisational strength and its leadership status in society. Instead, it raised questions about whether the party still holds the trust and hope of the majority,” Swana said.

“Winning the local government elections decisively will enable the ANC to lead communities in the forward march towards a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous society,” he said.

However, with visible signs of declining support and internal challenges mounting, political observers suggest the ANC’s road to regaining its former dominance may be longer than anticipated.

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