African National Congress

The ANC was established on 8 January 1912 in Bloemfontein as the South African Native National Congress to advocate for the rights of black South Africans.

The African National Congress (ANC) was established in South Africa on January 18, 1912, during a meeting in Bloemfontein. Originally known as the South African Native National Congress, it later changed its name to the African National Congress in 1923. Initially, it aimed to address the racial discrimination faced by non-whites in South Africa.

The Native Land Act of 1913 enforced racial segregation by restricting black South Africans from owning land outside specific areas, leading to forced labor on mines and white farms.

In 1919, the African National Congress in Transvaal led a campaign against pass laws that restricted the movement of black South Africans and controlled their work on mines and farms.

Around 1920, the ANC shifted away from its early focus on the 'politics of petitioning' and developed a programme of passive resistance directed primarily at the expansion and entrenchment of pass laws.

In 1923, the South African Native National Congress officially changed its name to the African National Congress. This renaming marked a significant moment in the organization's history as it solidified its identity and purpose.

In 1927, J.T. Gumede was elected President of the ANC, aiming to revitalize the organization to combat racist policies and promote cooperation with communist groups.

In August 1930, the local bus company in Alexandra increased fares by 1d, leading to a spontaneous protest by 20,000 residents who boycotted the buses and walked approximately 14kms into town. A Bus Service Committee was established by the African National Congress (ANC) to negotiate with the bus company, eventually leading to a reduction in fares back to the original 4d.

On September 26, 1930, the African Democratic Party (ADP) was founded by Paul Mosaka, Self Mampuru, and Dan Koza as a social-democratic alternative to the ANC. The party gained influence in Alexandra and Orlando, lasting for about five years. Former Communist Hyman Basner criticized the ANC-CPSA alliance at the party's inaugural meeting.

In 1934, the Communist Party of South Africa discussed the concept of the Native Independent Republic.

At the annual conference in Johannesburg, the CPSA calls for the establishment of a fighting alliance and endorses the call by the ANC to boycott all elections under the Representation of Natives Act of 1936.

The National Executive Committee of the ANC has a meeting.

Dr Monty Naicker, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, and Dr A.B. Xuma meet in Johannesburg and sign the Doctors Pact, a joint declaration of cooperation between Natal Indian Congress, Transvaal Indian Congress, and ANC.

Dr A.B Xuma issues a flyer calling for the abolition of Pass Laws and the removal of Land Restrictions against Africans in urban and rural areas.

A meeting of the ANC, APO, NIC, and TIC is held in Johannesburg to discuss cooperation.

In 1940, ANC President Alfred Xuma aggressively recruited younger members, including future prominent leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu, to strengthen the organization.

On February 23, 1941, Dr. A.B. Xuma delivers a speech at the Mendi Memorial Celebration in Johannesburg, honoring African servicemen who died in the Mendi tragedy and advocating for their rights and privileges.

E.T Mofutsanyana and Alpheus Malibu, selected by the CPSA, were not elected to the NRC. Instead, the ANC's candidates Rev. John Dube, A.W.G. Champion, and Professor Z.K. Matthews were elected to the Native Representative Council.

In 1943, the ANC Women's League was formally established, with Madie-Hall Xuma elected as the President until 1949. This marked a milestone in the empowerment of women within the ANC.

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) is officially formed by young radicals at the Bantu Men's Social Centre in Johannesburg. Key figures involved in its formation include Anton Lembede, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, and others.

At a mass anti-pass conference in Johannesburg, a National Anti-Pass Council is elected to collect 1 million signatures. Moses Kotane and Josie Palmer play significant roles during this event.

A mass youth conference is held at Bantu Men's Social Centre in Johannesburg to formally launch the national structure of the ANCYL, with key members including Anton Lembede, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, A.P. Mda, Nelson Mandela, and David Bopape.

The Atlantic Charter Committee, led by ANC leader Dr. A.B Xuma, meets in Bloemfontein to draw up a memorandum titled The Atlantic Charter From the standpoint of Africans within the Union of South Africa. They discuss the articles of the Charter and make observations about each article, forming the basic policy statement for all subsequent ANC documents.

The new ANC constitution, drafted by Dr. A.B Xuma with the help of Professor Macmillian and Bram Fischer, is adopted at the Congress's annual conference. The conference also adopts 'Africans' Claims in South Africa'.

No official government celebrations on V-E Day, but ANC and SACP leaders celebrate the Allied victory over Hitler at a spontaneous gathering in Johannesburg, with speeches by Dr. Yusuf Dadoo, Michael Harmel, and J.B. Marks.

On June 1, 1945, the Native (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act No 25 is passed, introducing influx control applicable to Black males only. The Act allows for the removal of individuals deemed to be leading idle or dissolute lives or those who have committed specified offenses from urban areas.

On 14th January 1946, Dr. A.B. Xuma issues a statement on the African Worker.

On 11th February 1946, Rev. John Dube dies in Umhlanga, Natal. His position as the Natal representative on the Natives' Representative Council (NRC) is filled by Albert Luthuli.

African miners strike from the East to the West Rand, resulting in police opening fire and killing and injuring hundreds of workers.

Moses Kotane attends an emergency conference in Bloemfontein called by the President-General of the ANC, Dr. A.B Xuma, to discuss the Mineworkers strike.

The annual conference of the African National Congress (ANC) held on December 16 unanimously adopts the 'African Claims'. This decision marks a significant moment in the history of the ANC's advocacy for the rights and claims of African people.

On March 9, 1947, the ANC signed a co-operation agreement known as the 'Three Doctors' Pact with the Indian Congresses. This pact symbolized collaboration and unity between different groups in the fight against injustices.

Dr. A.B. Xuma convenes a meeting of twelve African leaders to reconcile the differences between the ANC and the All-African Convention, resulting in the signing of 'A Call for Unity'.

Tension arises among members of the AAC during a joint conference with the ANC, leading to a rejection of the 'Call for African Unity' proposal.

Dr. A.B. Xuma sends a cable to the UN in response to a statement made by Eric Hendrik Louw.

During the annual ANC conference in December 1948, Dr. A.B. Xuma is elected as the president of the African National Congress, initiating efforts to revitalize the organization and establishing the Congress Youth League.

A joint conference of the ANC and AAC is held in Batho Location Community Hall, Bloemfontein.

Charges of slum-lord tactics and exploitation against Indian landowners in Cato Manor lead to a race rebellion between Africans and Indians. The violent conflict results in deaths, injuries, and displacement of both communities.

The ANC Working Committee, led by Dr. A.B Xuma, issues a statement regarding the Durban Riots, addressing the unrest and its implications.

Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, a prominent ANC member and later Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs in post-apartheid South Africa, is born.

African and Indian leaders from the ANC and SAIC hold a joint meeting in Durban, agreeing on closer cooperation and collaboration between the two groups.

The AAC and ANC hold a joint conference where the AAC urges the ANC to support the policy of non-collaboration with the government. However, the conference fails to establish a union between the two organizations.

Moses Kotane writes to Professor Z.K. Matthews, providing a report on the joint meeting between the AAC and ANC, highlighting the discussions and outcomes of the collaboration.

Following the People's Holiday, the ANC and the Indian Congress jointly organized a 'Day of Protest' on 26 June 1950 to demonstrate against the May Day shootings and oppressive legislation. This event showcased solidarity between different anti-apartheid groups.

In 1952, the ANC, the Indian Congress, and the coloured Franchise Action Council initiated the Defiance Campaign, a mass civil disobedience movement targeting oppressive laws. The campaign led to thousands of arrests and marked a shift from passive resistance to active defiance.

The Congress of the People took place in 1953 and was a significant event where the Freedom Charter was drafted, laying out the vision for a democratic and non-racial South Africa.

In 1954, the African National Congress (ANC) adopted the Freedom Charter, a document that outlined the core principles and demands of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

The Congress of the People held on June 26, 1955, in Kliptown, Johannesburg, was a significant event in the history of the anti-apartheid struggle. It adopted the Freedom Charter, a document that called for equal rights and opportunities for all South Africans.

In 1956, African National Congress (ANC) supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Johannesburg where anti-apartheid militants, including Nelson Mandela, were on trial.

In 1958, ANC President Albert Luthuli called for international sanctions against the apartheid state during a visit to Ghana. This marked a significant step in the ANC's efforts to garner international support against apartheid.

In April 1959, a group of young Africanists led by Robert Sobukwe broke away from the ANC to establish the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) due to ideological differences, particularly regarding multi-racialism and the influence of the Congress Alliance.

The Sharpeville massacre occurred on 21 March 1960, leading to the banning of the ANC by the South African government. The ban lasted until February 1990.

The MK sabotage attacks began with bombings against government installations in December 1961, following a memorandum co-authored by Mandela, Tambo, and Robert Resha outlining a comprehensive plan for guerrilla operations.

Starting from 1962, members of the African National Congress (ANC) identified as potential leaders were sent to the Soviet Union for academic and political training. Additionally, thousands of MK recruits received military training in the Soviet Union over the following decades.

In April 1963, Oliver Tambo, a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC), visited Moscow. This visit marked the close relationship between the ANC and the Soviet Union, with subsequent regular delegations being sent to Moscow.

On 29th December 1964, O. R. Tambo sent a New Year message to U Thant, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In 1966, O. R. Tambo's views on passive resistance in South Africa were published in the book 'Southern Africa in Transition'.

MK initiated a joint campaign with Zapu to find a route into South Africa, crossing through Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Wankie Campaign provided combat experience but highlighted the challenges of infiltrating the country.

The ANC's first consultative conference and first conference in exile, held in response to the Hani memorandum and signs of crisis in the MK ranks. Tambo offered his resignation as acting ANC President, but the conference passed a vote of confidence in him. The conference reinstated Hani and adopted a new 'Strategy and Tactics' document.

On the eighth anniversary of the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe by O. R. Tambo, the capture of the Citadel was broadcast to South Africa.

O. R. Tambo delivered a New Year message to the ANC External Mission on 1st January 1971.

Since 1972, it has been a tradition for the ANC president to publish the annual January 8 Statement, a reflective letter sent to members on the anniversary of the organization's founding.

A dissident Africanist faction known as the 'Gang of Eight' objected to the influence of non-Africans and the SACP in the ANC. They were expelled in 1975 for their boisterous objections, claiming that the SACP used the ANC as its 'front organisation'.

The Soweto Uprising began in June 1976 when high school students protested against the compulsory use of Afrikaans in schools. The brutal police response sparked a nationwide uprising, leading to over 1,000 deaths and galvanizing resistance against apartheid.

In March 1979, the ANC leadership published the 'Green Book', outlining the 'Four Pillars of the Revolution' which included armed struggle, internal underground, popular mobilisation, and international isolation of the apartheid regime.

On 1 June 1980, a special operations unit of the ANC bombed the Sasol oil refinery complex, causing significant damage and economic impact.

In 1982, a special operations bombing targeted the Koeberg nuclear power station, resulting in substantial damages to the state.

In December 1983, a mutiny known as Mkatashinga broke out at the MK camp in Viana, Angola. Cadres demanded to be sent to fight apartheid in South Africa instead of further battles in the Angolan Civil War. The mutiny resulted in deaths, arrests, and trials of MK members.

The conference was held in response to mutinies within the ANC's MK rank-and-file, leading to the adoption of a code of conduct, establishment of internal judicial procedures, and significant organizational changes including the election of the NEC and the election of Tambo as ANC president.

O. R. Tambo delivered a message on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the ANC during the 74th Anniversary of the ANC, emphasizing the need to attack, advance, and give the enemy no quarter.

O. R. Tambo gave an address upon receiving an honorary degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, highlighting the unity between the ANC and the world.

On February 2, 1990, State President F. W. De Klerk unbanned the ANC and other illegal organizations, initiating formal negotiations for a peaceful settlement in South Africa. This decision was influenced by various factors such as the end of the Cold War, economic crisis, international pressure, and internal dissent.

On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, following the lifting of the ban on the ANC.

Nelson Mandela, as the president of the African National Congress and later the president of South Africa, addressed the Special Committee Against Apartheid at the UN General Assembly in New York City.

During the 48th National Conference in Durban in July 1991, the ANC elected a new NEC and top leadership. Nelson Mandela succeeded Oliver Tambo as president, with Cyril Ramaphosa becoming the secretary-general. This transition signified the evolving dynamics within the ANC and its alignment with other anti-apartheid groups.

In November 1993, an interim Constitution was established in South Africa, paving the way for the country's first democratic elections on 27 April 1994. The African National Congress (ANC) emerged victorious with a significant majority.

On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of equality and democracy. The African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, emerged victorious in these historic elections.

On the 10th of May 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the President of South Africa following the ANC's victory in the historic elections. Mandela's inauguration symbolized the dawn of a new era in South Africa's history.

In 1996, the ANC adopted a new Constitution for South Africa, following the democratic breakthrough in the elections of 1994.

In December 1997, Jacob Zuma was elected as the Deputy President of the African National Congress. He served in this role until 2007.

The TRC's five-volume report in 1998 acknowledged the ANC as both a victim and perpetrator of human rights abuses during apartheid, highlighting actions such as landmine campaigns, bombings, attacks on collaborators, and ill treatment of members in exile.

In June 1999, Thabo Mbeki succeeded Nelson Mandela as the second Black president of South Africa, continuing the African National Congress's leadership in the country.

In 2001, ANC Today, a weekly online newsletter, was launched by the ANC to counter alleged press bias.

The ANC's 51st National Conference in Stellenbosch in 2002 proceeded without contest, amidst complaints of marginalization by the SACP and tensions over economic policies.

On June 14, 2005, Thabo Mbeki removed Jacob Zuma from his position as deputy president following the conviction of Schabir Shaik on corruption charges, which implicated Zuma in corrupt payments related to the Arms Deal.

In December 2007, the African National Congress (ANC) held a bitterly contested Party Convention where Jacob Zuma defeated Thabo Mbeki for leadership.

The African National Congress (ANC) is a prominent political organization in South Africa that played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid. It has a rich history of activism and leadership in the country.

Jacob Zuma assumed office as the President of South Africa in May 2009 after winning the general election. He served in this position until he resigned in 2018.

In late 2011, the ANC faced heavy criticism for passing the Protection of State Information Bill, which was seen as a threat to press freedom. The bill was opposed by various groups, including those usually aligned with the ANC.

President Jacob Zuma delivered the opening address at the 2012 ANC National Policy Conference held in Midrand, setting the tone for the discussions and agenda of the conference.

The ANC was criticized for its role in the failure to prevent the Marikana massacre on August 16, 2012, where Lonmin miners were killed. Allegations were made against ANC officials for potentially authorizing the police action against the miners.

The African National Congress National Election List for the year 2014 was announced on May 16, 2014.

The African National Congress National Election List for the year 2014 was finalized on May 21, 2014.

Cyril Ramaphosa assumed the presidency of the African National Congress on 18 December 2017, taking on a leadership role within the political party.

Under pressure, Jacob Zuma resigned from his position as the President of South Africa in 2018. This marked the end of his presidency.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2020, has had a profound impact on global health, economies, and societies. Governments and organizations worldwide have been working to combat the spread of the virus and mitigate its effects.

Starting in May 2021, the African National Congress (ANC) faced issues with paying monthly staff salaries on time, leading to a strike threat by workers in August 2021. The party resorted to a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for salaries amidst financial challenges.

In December 2023, uMkhonto weSizwe gained significant attention when former president Jacob Zuma announced his support for the organization instead of campaigning for the ANC in the upcoming South African general election.

In February 2024, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula attended a forum on combating Western neocolonialism hosted by Russia, leading to criticism for the party's perceived support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.