Independent Newspapers
Photo: Phill Magakoe
Sangomas burned impepho (traditional incense) at the ANC’s provincial offices in Johannesburg, as the party launched its centenary celebrations on Sunday.
Kneeling in front of the door at Walter Sisulu House alongside the Sangomas, was ANC chairman Paul Mashatile, his deputy Gwen Ramokgopa, and ANC veterans Ahmed Kathadra and Sophie De Bruyn.
Traditionally, Mashatile was seen sprinkling snuff into a burning impepho while speaking to the ancestors. A large group of people watched while others took pictures with their cellphones.
De Bruyn, who in 1956 led a march of 20 000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against women carrying pass books, told hundreds of supporters about the history of the organisation.
She said that ANC members in the “olden days” had the spirit of sacrifice and self risk.
“We never asked to be paid for anything. We worked as volunteers,” she said to loud cheers from the crowd, and echoing Kathadra’s words from earlier.
Kathadra had said at Macosa House 1/8the ANC offices during the 1950s 3/8 that the offices represented commitment, loyalty and hard work.
“The spirit of volunteering… it has to come back,” he said.
Speaking outside Walter Sisulu House, Ramokgopa said as leadership, it was up to them to work hard and do all in their power to lead the ANC to the next 100 years.
“We need to remember 1/8ANC 3/8 values, traditions, history and mission to ensure we serve our people,” she said.
Led by about 20 roaring bikers, the large crowd proceeded to Mary Fitzgerald Square where a carnival is expected to take place.
Party supporters from various regions donning their gold, green and black regalia started gathering in the Johannesburg CBD as early as 9am.
The mood was jovial with people dancing and singing along to struggle songs blurring out from a huge white truck which was leading the procession.
The party’s centenary celebration would go on until the end of 2012.
Celebrations would continue in January in Mangaung in Bloemfontein, where the ANC was born in 1912. – Sapa
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Sangomas bless ANC centenary celebrations