Can the ANC January 2026 statement address event be inclusive this year going forward... Vul' isekele Khongolose

 

On my way to Mama Winnie's funeral in 2018

Happy New Year, everybody and welcome to 2026.

Yes, if you are residing in South Africa regardless of which political party you belong to.

The ANC January 8 statement is something that we all look forward to.

The ANC and DA beads that the Gogos and I made

Hate them or not, but the governing party and its president who is automatically the president of the country must give us some direction on what to expect this year…. A local government election year.

So, with those in mind.

 I   thought let me start with an issue that has been bugging me for years since I have returned to Johannesburg.

MK Youth hard at work in Alexandra Township

The party’s exclusivity to the community and the people on the ground. Now. I am not talking about those that left the party but the ordinary citizens who are still loyal to the party till this day but are not included to big events such as these.

We all know that the year start when the ruling party give us the people of the country its vision for the year.

 Or it used to start then before 1994 and the early years after.

The EFF was amongst the first customers of our business and they bought beads in bulk

But since my return to the city of Gold which is close to 13 years now, I hear nothing about this event. Trying to get to the party itself has been a mission. Let alone the Women's League and the local foot soldiers.

Free advertisement for Bossa 

There is absolutely nothing you hear about this annual event or any other works of the party so that you can participate also.

                                                                                The mining town of Klerkdorp

No noise or buses carrying people over to the venue like in the old days. 

OR Tambo and Nelson Mandela were the president of the organisation

 Even  the event is not effectively communicated so that everyone can be or feel part of it. Or maybe reject being part of it yet having being informed about it.

                                                        Stillfonteing Gold Mines

In these days, what I have observed is that you are merely excluded and not informed. Maybe gass talked as some may say now.

Chief Albert Luthuli was the president of the ANC

Before we go further, let me tell you readers about  the history of this event with Google's help and some of the books I have read in the past.

                                                            Election Day 2019... National

The origins of the event sterms from the organisation, the South African National Natives Congress(SANNC), now known as the African National Congress (ANC) having being formed on January 8, 1912. 

The original founders of the ANC in 1912

The founders, John Dube, Sol Plaatje and Pixley ka Isaka Seme wanted to unite Africans against the discriminatory law like the Land Law Act of 1913 which gave blacks 13% of land and 87% was distributed to the whites at the time.

                                                    Star Fm, a community radio station in the North West

The practice of releasing majory statement were made popular by the then president, Oliver Tambo in 1972 during his exile years in Lusaka Zambia where he detailed strategies, themes and call for actions against the then racist regime.

Winnie Madikizela Mandela kept the organisation alive when it was banned in SA

But even before O.R. Tambo took over the leadership role. In the 1950s when Chief Albert Luthuli was in leadership.

People dropped everything to hear what the chief had to say at Freedom Square, this despite of government harassing him with banning orders that would forced him back to Natal even before he could speak to the people.

Over three decades of democracy and I  would be lying if I said I knew where and what the event was about over the past few years since I left the newsroom.

A week ago, I went pass the Chief Albert Luthuli House, the headquatters of the ANC to get information.

I get it, people were on leave it was the late days of December2025. The security knew nothing about the event and only a flyer advertising accommodation for the event in North West that I got a glimps of where they will be this year.

Over the past few years, there's absolutely nothing you hear from the organisation itself. Especially when you have restricted means of communication like me.

I think, I last listened and heard from the president, Cyril Ramaphosa when he was crying for people to send, that was way back in 2018 if I am not mistaken.

I think, the conference was held in East London then.  

After, the bullies of the organization did their thing so much that all my businesses came to a halt.

 My property was destroyed, I was stalked, I received death threats, I was humiliated and all sorts of lies were spread to a point that everything I had built and done for myself without the help of anyone will take years to rebuild.

But I am grateful for the social grant that I am currently on even though had my business not being destroyed, I would have been far even with my law studies.

Thank God NSFAS agreed to fund me last year, but writing the Unisa exams were made difficult and some subject impossible to even seat for. 

So my promised ten years free and compulsary education from the 150 page of the Reconstruction Development Programme of the party was also somehow disturbed.

 I pray that they let me continue with my law studies this year as Iam really keen on the modules local government, land and housing, education, family law etc.

Anyway, don't read this and think I am all made at the ANC. 

Just after Covid19, I’ve been trying so hard to get involve in the community work with the ANC or the women’s league but the party seems to be very far of.

Even when you go to councilor’s offices and introduce yourself, your intentions and what you are about.

Still you are treated like a hungry outsider and the people that I have been in contact with have made it clear that the organization is now for the black elite.

If you have no money, you have no business in the ANC nor would your talent, skills, knowledge or resources can be used in this mighty organization.

The attitude is so disturbing because some of the Pioneers and Jevuniles of the early 80s and 90s came from these communities with no money but strong spirit of   brother hood and looking out for each other regardless of background.

The education about the South African black history before the 1994 election seems to have been a wasteful exercise now.

 Especially when the black English men and women in power don’t know and can’t relate to the struggles of the same black community in which they grew up in.

 Some of the contributors to this little change come from those that are hired to provide service in the township but ignore their duties and run after bribery.

 Money that further halt the slow progress in these areas or do unfinished work yet they claimed to be capable of doing the complete job.

Worse, the millions received for numerous tenders through connections not even a cent will go to even buying a child in that community  school shoes.

What monied black men did not have before 1994  was covered by the contribution he made to the community then.

  The community also helped support his businesses.

There was a servicing of each other not the exercise of Lordship over the other due to the money, the car they drive and where they stay.

 There were no orphans due to the struggle as the church and the ANC women’s league automatically became an eye of those families.

Hence many like me, ended up with many fathers and mothers. While my mother was inprisoned and the other exiled for their political roles in the ANC.

 I gained parents who  were not my  biological parents but the respect I had to give to some of these men and women was equal to that of both absent parents of mine.

Yes, there was status and we all prided ourselves when a black men or children of the township had done well as if we all made some contribution to their achievement.

 

 But there was not much of showing it off, undermining and I’m better than you kind of vibe which is quite common now.

Back to the January statement, I hear this year it will be in the North West.

A two hours drive from Johannesburg and where the gold, a resource that God bless South Africans with but became a curse at the same time as visitors became too greedy to share.

It would be so nice to have buses available to everyone who want to go from all areas of Johannesburg Township.

There are children who don't even know what a mine looks like let alone a mining town and what those people are about.

  When I was in Port Elizabeth, I attended one conference that was held in East London.

 Though, I was in the media.

 I opted to drive to East London with the masses from Kwa Zakhele township.

The bus atmosphere is the best, to and fro, the endless debates about what was said and what could have been touched on and informal planning on how to exercute some of the plans to go with the vision of the party.

The sightseeing is also beautiful especially when everyone is looking forward to the place or I was looking forward to the East London beaches and we ate kotas and full meals after the event.

So my humble request to the party is to at least make the address available to everyone. 

Even those with no internet, radios and tvs. 

The news of what needs to be done must reach even the low class citizen of this country.

 

Psst! you were caught on camera in 2024 spot yourself and share the fun

Founder of Ithlokomeleng Home for the Aged founder, Dr Majorie Manganye with 

Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise, Obed Bapela

 Have you heard? I mean, I don't like spreading gossip but the rumour mill has it that in 2024 some of the South African movers and shakers were caught by our lens this past year. From actors, actresses, pastors, community workers, social workers, doctors, teachers, primary school kids,government ministers, gym instructors etc. Our current camera man, eight-year-old Sphiwokuhle was all over town. In churches, holiday camps, women's conferences, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties and many other gatherings that has happened around Gauteng.

At the Alexandra Peace Ambassador community talk event. All political parties and the community of Alexandra were invited to help some of the issues affecting the township, mainly housing.

By the way, he has no colour, age, political association, gender or nationality discrimination. When he sees something good. He just get on with his job of capturing un edited material for the blog or Youtube, instagram, X and tiktok.

My late brother with Kuhle playing with my phone

A job he was taught by his late uncle, Xolani Ndabeni when he was just few months old.

Unfortunately for this small registered media company, Ndabeni Kunene Creatives Pty Ltd. We lost Xolani, our first male model of our bead work. Our cheff, photographer, driver and unpaid volunteer of the company last month.

Together we were the footsoldiers of the company, before Covid 19. Our mobile shop was sort after going to MTN head quarters, Deinfern small business market and many other markets that happened hear in Jozi back then. As Mariah and Boy 2 Men sang..."And I know you're shining down on me from heaven. Like so many friends we've lost along the way. And I know eventually we'll be together"... His sudden death has taught me never to take anything or any person in my life for granted. Please listen to the lyrics of the song and apply the same to your love ones this festive season. I mean, it is still hard to believe his gone. One minute, I was enjoying his late night calls. Telling me how much he loved and misses me. How he was looking forward to show me progress on some of the things he had been up to since we last saw each other. Literary less than a week from another late night call from him encouraging me his big sister not to worry abd that the business will be up and running in no time. And studying ministry was a Ndabeni blood thing and should embrace it.

The next thing, I get a call to say he was rushed to hospital three days ago, he had diabetes that was picked up during Covid 19. To make things more bazaar, I'm told he kept all this from me because he didn't want to worry me all these years he knew.

Anyway, the stalking and the destruction of my property by Small Business Minister, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams and her politically connected crew affected our business. Mind you we dont know this woman from a bar of soap. But her insecurities are on another level. she had been avoiding me since 2012 when I was still interning for Mail and Guardian amabhungane centre for investigative journalism. I was keen and curious to meet with her then. Even dropped some facebook inboxes to her then.

She made a grand entry in the political scene. One minute she was an unknown, the next I was told she had disrespected the late South African anti-apartheid activist and the second wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. I mean the courage? Hence everyone was curious to know who was she and where did she come from and my relation with her. Some who dont know my mothers kids well mistook her for my big sister, Nomonde. Both my brother Mandla Ndabeni and her were never into politics. Lets just say, after my late mother stop being active in the ANC, we were just ordinary supporters of the political party.

I on the other hand, was disappointed by the party not able to further my studies. I thought, I was entitled to free tertiary education or a bursary from it since both my parents were active in the party before 1994. I thought the sacrifice of leaving me for prison due to political activities and another flying the country in fear of his life while leaving me behind to be cared by the community, relatives and siblings would win people's compassion and fund my studies through a bursary or scholarship of some sort.

But instead, I together with my brothers and sister we find our way through life. Especially after my mother died in 2016, we hustled alone. Xolani had been affected greately by my mother's long time illness. He was her full time support system from the age of seven years. When my mother still had a post as seargent major at Kimberely Military base. With her gone, he came to stay with me and my son in 2018 to do a drivers license and we were in a process of getting him into a chef school through the money we both made selling beads. I will forever miss him. But also deal decisively with bulies especially with evidence and criminal cases opened....GBV must be addressed and now. Anyway, while still on the topic of bullies this year.As we were preparing for 2025 school year. I mean, finally this year, I was able to register online for NSFAS and was approved pending availability of funds and registration at Unisa. So out of excitement of finally having prospects of finishing my law studies last week, I went to Unisa Johannesburg. To find out the registration process.

My first stop was at the commercial crime court but the service from my fellow sister from Amanda Security company was so bad that I quickly moved to Unisa. Just to be greeted by another bully female. The previous week, I was sent home because the staff at the university could not even answer or have this information because the building had no water. On this day however, there was water and people to help, I was also desperate to use the toilet. The security lady and the access control had no time for me, one was busy on the phone and the other was laughing at the fact that I was so pressed I couldn't stand still and she was enjoying my jumpiness and desperation. She showed me a lift that took me to the basement instead of to the toilets and I was up and down with the lift until I couldn't help it anymore. There was more laughter of amusement when I told them about the accident until a male staff intervened. Both confrontation was more of Titus1:12 description of Cretans. People who lie even when theres evidence right infront of them.

Anyway, I was impressed by the openess of Journey South Africa during their presentation at the Johannesburg Bible College early this year. The organisation works with churches to address issues such as addiction, sex treatment of the LGBTIQ to mention but a few. I love their openess towards all topics. Me thinks, more South African churches should work and invite this organisation to their churches. The topics they cover are taboo in some of our churches and by engaging we can stop the cancer of discrimination against anyone...My opinion of course.

In February this year, we find ourselves at a L'Abri conference in Auckland Park discussing spirituality and whitchcraft with qualified medical doctors and Christian faith practitioners. I must say, after getting out of the conference, I wanted to launch a campaign for the witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957 to be brought back.

L'Abri is an evangelical Christian organisation founded in founded on June 5, 1955 by Francis Schaeffer and his wife Edith in Huémoz-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. According to Wikipedia, it was opened to discuss philosophical and religious beliefs. Good place to start lobbying for the witchcraft suppression Act isn't it... We are tired of witches This might my battle with witches. Imagine someone destroying everything you have worked hard for and boasting about his witchcraft powers. I am here to say, witches bow down, we now have no mercy towards you. Our message is very clear as hardcore Christians, go to school, get an education, work for the community and work hard to get your own things, we are tired of your bullying. Imagine, South African doctors, nurses magistrates on the streets because they were driven out of their mension by witchcraft, a spirit of jelousy and anti-progress. Just so they can be the ones benefiting from the things that they didn't work hard for. Time for witches is over, Christians are moving in now and occupying every area. Love rules the world and hatred destroys.

I spotted the MK guys busy in Alexandra township, they were doing a programme for youth day. I didn't have a phone then but Jacob Zuma's kids sponsored this photo. By the way, Msholozi I am sorry if I have ever been harsh to you while in the Media or general. I had to be out of the media in order to see what you were working with. Sir, I think you did a great job with what you had. You brought in your A game even when the situation was rough. I am looking forward to covering your party's events next year. I hope you don't mind me remaining with the ANC still. I have a personal issue with a minister that I think will be able to solve when I am in the organisation. Besides, I think they now need me and this is the best time to say, witches bow down from an organisation that was formed based on Christian principals. You have caused headache and division.

Talking politics, big up to the Gauteng ANC guys for giving me this free ANC T-shirt and a scarf or headgear. I never got anything for free in the party for years so I was so thrilled that I asked for a picture and the guys even sponsored to take one and send it to my facebook inbox...I mean in the world where people do not want to share a thing let alone a picture taken by their smart phone or iphones. Anyway, thank you guys.

We were off to Rosebank Union Church where we attended the Township Reformation Annual Conference. Guess, who we spotted, the current Miss Gauteng Teen finalist. The girl is busy trying to raise R2500 for the competition next year and offers any company willing to sponsor her branding opportunity on the competitions social media platforms. Anyone interested her Instagram page is @Angel. She also shared her views on the Nigerian Mozambican who pulled off from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant soon after the approar on her nationality. Listen to what she had to say then. If you thought the 2010 Fifa World Cup fever was over in South Africa, think again. I mean we were still Waka Wakaring in 2024 and brought in primary school children to join in the fun. As the school had its concerts hounoring the legends such as Hugh Masekela, Micheal Jackson, Destiny's Child, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Freddie Gwala and Mbongeni Ngema.

Before the country danced to Chris Brown last week, we were already setting the mood with my grade two friend, Christine on stage. Watch the video. We were so honoured to be part of the guests that were invited to a finger snack after the concert and escorted home by the school staff.

The next day, the school had a fundraising event in a form of a family fun day. The family and community of the school were invited to a bring and braai event where they could socialise with each other on a more casaul and safe environmnet.

Children were also catered for with playing spots while adults could have their breavarages and braaing their meat.

Still on the schools, I also visited the school where I matriculated and met up with the principal that is currently doing amazing work.

It was so reviving to be there and talking to some of the former pupils. Please click on this link to learn more about the school. I also had a chance to re unite with my favourite twins. I swear, when I'm rich enough I will buy these guys Massarati's, Lamborghini's Mc Lauren's etc.

The Putu brothers are doing amazing community work. I am so looking forward to working with them again next year, in the mean time. Please click on this link for their work to date. PSst.. their story is not finished Can you believe that woman are behind most GBV cases in South Africa? We do need more platforms to actually address this amongst us woman with the hope that this will help us get rid off our insecurities, spirit of lack and build a better country for all. This I learnt at the annual Women's Convention conference held in Midrand Christ Church. According to an Muhau, an organisation formed during Covid19 GBV cases spiked during the Lockdown. This surely means that South Africa need more programmes that uplifts woman and operated by women who trully mean and do work that uplifts women and the church is a good place to make sure that such programmes for women are implemented. The spirit of competence and pulling each other down is really not working for the country.

Pastor Sfiso Twala invited us to his business expo held at his Kingdom Mandate International (KMI) church at 3rd Avenue Alexandra Township. There are more stories you will here from that big white tent next year in this blog...watch the space.

One of the brother's from Africa and a colleague at JBC was kind enough to forward me this picture taken at an Africa Day event held near Alex. Thank you Mike and lots of love.

Have you ever visited the Rosebank Union Church in Nelson Mandela Drive? I think I will frequent them next year just for their coffee and pastor Richard's teachings.

These guys seems to have something to celebrate everytime. My son enjoyed their winter holiday camp with an Inside Out theme.

We got down at pastor Sithole's 40th birthday Celebration.

I'm yet to meet someone who will throw a better party than Mama Marjorie Manganye, you will read more about her and Itlhokomeleng next year. There's more stories that you wil read about the works of Bab'Linda Twala in Alexandra Township and the kassie itself. You cant separate Bab'Twala from some of the community development there, he is so intertwined with the township and Im finding my way to decently tell the stories there. Of course more stories are coming up about Johannesburg Bible College as I finish my ministry courses with them. Come next year, we will be bigger and better. For now please enjoy the season with your loved ones. If around region E area on 31st December. GNF is having a cross over night. Check out the snippet on what to expect.