RAMAPHOSA REIGNITES ANC SUPPORTERS WITH FIERY JANUARY 8 SPEECH

Mpho Dube
16 hours ago
2 min read

ANC President Cyril "The Buffalo Soldier" Ramaphosa.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian_ Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

January 10, 2026

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a thunderous January 8 statement, reigniting the passion of thousands of ANC supporters at Moruleng Stadium in North West.

The Buffalo, as he's affectionately known, left no room for doubt as he slammed superpowers for spreading false narratives about South Africa, specifically referencing claims of white genocide without naming Donald Trump.

"We will not be bullied," Ramaphosa declared, to thunderous applause. "We will not be diverted from the path that we have set out." He emphasized that South Africa will not be remotely controlled by forces of doom, particularly those supporting Israel's attack on Palestinians and Gaza.

The ANC President reaffirmed the party's resilience, proclaiming, "ANC is real bull" and predicting that emerging parties formed by former ANC members will never match the party's 114-year legacy. "The ANC will never cease to exist, it's their wish," he said, sparking cheers from the crowd.

Ramaphosa also addressed pressing domestic issues, acknowledging challenges in unemployment, water, sanitation, and service delivery. He called on ANC members to refrain from corruption, warning, "We will remove you if you don't pull up your socks."

The President also condemned gender-based violence against women and children, though critics note he missed an opportunity to address male abuse by women.

The January 8 statement traditionally sets the tone for the ANC's program, and Ramaphosa's address is expected to galvanize support ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The party is focusing on fixing local government and improving service delivery, key areas where they've faced criticism.

Ramaphosa's speech was a clear message that South Africa will not be intimidated by external forces. He highlighted the country's commitment to sovereignty and international law, emphasizing that South Africa will not sit on the grandstands and allow such trends.

The ANC's January 8 Statement is a significant event, reflecting on past achievements and setting future objectives. This year's address comes as the party navigates a new reality as a coalition partner and faces mounting political challenges. With the 2026 local government elections on the horizon, Ramaphosa's speech is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the party's campaign strategy.

The event was attended by thousands of ANC supporters, with tight security in place. The party has been engaging with communities in Rustenburg, and Ramaphosa's address is seen as a key moment in the party's efforts to rebuild trust with South African voters.

The ANC has identified poor service delivery as a key factor in its decline in the 2024 elections, and Ramaphosa's speech is expected to outline strategies to address this issue. The party is also facing tensions with the South African Communist Party (SACP), which has decided to contest future local elections independently.