Local News
ANC Marks 114 Years With January 8 Events Across Chris Hani Region
ANC Chris Hani Region Gears Up for Sub-Regional January 8 Celebrations
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Chris Hani Region is preparing to host a series of sub-regional January 8th celebrations as part of the commemoration of the organisation’s 114th anniversary.
The celebrations follow the national January 8 event and are aimed at taking the ANC’s anniversary programme directly to communities across the region. According to the ANC Chris Hani Region, the decentralised approach allows broader community participation while reinforcing the movement’s historical roots at grassroots level.
January 8 marks the founding of the ANC in 1912 and remains one of the organisation’s most significant dates, traditionally used to reflect on its history, assess current challenges, and outline priorities for the year ahead.
Regional Leadership to Engage Communities
ANC Chris Hani Regional Chairperson Comrade Lusanda Sizani is expected to address the sub-regional celebrations. The regional structure has indicated that the programme forms part of the ANC’s continued commitment to engaging directly with communities and promoting unity, service, and collective responsibility.
The celebrations also coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a foundational document adopted in 1955 that continues to inform the ANC’s policy positions and vision for South Africa.
Schedule of Sub-Regional Events
A number of events have been scheduled across the Chris Hani Region, with different sub-regions hosting their own January 8th Statement celebrations.
In the Matthew Goniwe Sub-Region, supporters are expected to gather at the Vusubuntu Cultural Village in Nxuba (Cradock).
Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026
Time: 16h00
The Dr AB Xuma Sub-Region will host a morning event organised by the James Kati Branch at Boleni VD in Ward 15.
Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026
Time: 10h00
The Enoch Mgijima Sub-Region will take the celebrations to Whittlesea, with proceedings set to take place at the Sada Community Hall.
Date: Friday, 30 January 2026
Time: 09h00
In the Vuyisile Mini Sub-Region, celebrations will be hosted at the Xolobe TRC Hall. The event forms part of a broader provincial programme issued by the ANC Eastern Cape aimed at strengthening the organisation’s presence in rural areas.
Date: Friday, 30 January 2026
Time: 10h00
The final event in this leg of the programme will be hosted by the Robert Resha Sub-Region at the Boomplaas Community Hall in Machubeni.
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Part of a Wider National Programme
The Chris Hani Region’s celebrations form part of nationwide January 8 activities taking place across the country. The ANC has historically used these commemorations to reconnect with communities, reflect on governance and organisational renewal, and reaffirm its founding principles.
The regional leadership said the anniversary programme is intended to strengthen unity within the organisation while reinforcing its responsibility to serve communities amid ongoing social and economic challenges.
