ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-03-31 21:48:04

African National Congress

South African political party opposing apartheid
South African political party opposing apartheid

The African National Congress (ANC) was founded in 1912 to advocate for the rights of black South Africans. It played a crucial role in ending apartheid and has governed South Africa since 1994. Despite being a dominant-party state, the ANC has faced declining electoral majority and corruption controversies.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
1912-01-08
Formation of the African National Congress (ANC)

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.

1912-01-18
Formation of the African National Congress (ANC)

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.

1913
Native Land Act

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.

1919
ANC Campaign Against Pass Laws

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.

1920
Shift in Focus of ANC towards Passive Resistance

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.

1923
Official renaming of the African National Congress

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.

1927
J.T. Gumede Elected President of ANC

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.

1930-08-02
Alexandra Bus Boycott

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.

1930-09-26
Launch of African Democratic Party (ADP)

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.

1934
Native Independent Republic by Communist Party of South Africa

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

1938-01-03
CPSA calls for fighting alliance and endorses ANC boycott

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.

1938-02-01
National Executive Committee meeting of ANC

The National Executive Committee of the ANC has a meeting.

1938-03-09
Doctors Pact signed in Johannesburg

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.

1938-03-21
Dr A.B Xuma issues demands in flyer

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.

1938-03-23
Meeting of ANC, APO, NIC, and TIC in Johannesburg

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

1940
Aggressive Recruitment of Younger Members by ANC President Alfred Xuma

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.

1941-02-23
Dr. A.B. Xuma speaks at Mendi Memorial Celebration

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.

1942
ANC Candidates Elected to NRC

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.

1943
Formation of ANC Women's League

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.

1944-04-02
Formation of ANC Youth League (ANCYL)

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.

1944-05-20
Mass Anti-Pass Conference in Johannesburg

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.

1944-09-10
Launch of ANCYL National Structure

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.

1944-12-13
The Atlantic Charter Committee meeting in Bloemfontein

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.

1944-12-16
Adoption of the new ANC constitution

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'.

1945-05-08
V-E Day Celebration in Johannesburg

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.

1945-06-01
Passing of Native (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act No 25

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.

1946-01-14
Dr. A.B. Xuma issues a statement on the African Worker

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

1946-02-11
Rev. John Dube dies in Umhlanga, Natal

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.

1946-06-13
African Miners Strike on the Rand

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

1946-10-06
Emergency Conference in Bloemfontein

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.

1946-12-16
ANC adopts 'African Claims'

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.

1947-03-09
Signing of the 'Three Doctors' Pact'

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.

1948-10-03
Meeting of African Leaders for Unity

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'.

1948-11-17
Tension within the AAC

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.

1948-11-25
Dr. A.B. Xuma's Cable to the UN

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

1948-12-15
Dr. A.B. Xuma elected as ANC president

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.

1948-12-16
Joint Conference of ANC and AAC

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

1949-01-14
Cato Manor Race Rebellion

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.

1949-01-20
ANC Working Committee Statement on Durban Riots

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

1949-01-27
Birth of Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma

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

1949-02-06
Joint Meeting of African and Indian Leaders in Durban

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.

1949-04-17
AAC and ANC Joint Conference

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.

1949-05-08
Moses Kotane Reports on AAC and ANC Joint Meeting

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.

1950-06-26
Day of Protest

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.

1952-06-26
Defiance Campaign

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.

1953
Congress of the People

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.

1954
Freedom Charter Adopted

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.

1955-06-26
Congress of the People

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.

1956
ANC supporters pray outside the courthouse in Johannesburg

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

1958
Call for sanctions against apartheid state in Ghana

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.

1959-04
Formation of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC)

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.

1960-03-21
Sharpeville Massacre and ANC Ban

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.

1961-12-16
Launch of MK Sabotage Attacks

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.

1962
ANC members sent to Soviet Union for training

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.

1963-04
Tambo visits Moscow

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.

1964-12-29
New Year Message to U Thant by O. R. Tambo

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

1966
Passive Resistance in South Africa by O. R. Tambo

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

1967
Wankie Campaign

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.

1969-04-25
Morogoro Conference

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.

1969-12-16
Broadcast of Umkhonto we Sizwe Formation Anniversary

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.

1971-01-01
New Year Message to ANC External Mission by O. R. Tambo

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

1972
Initiation of January 8 Statement tradition

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.

1975
Expulsion of the Gang of Eight

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'.

1976
Soweto Uprising

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.

1979-03
Publication of the 'Green Book'

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.

1980-06-01
Bombing of Sasol oil refinery complex

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

1982
Bombing of Koeberg nuclear power station

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

1983-12
Mkatashinga mutiny at the MK camp in Viana, Angola

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.

1985
ANC's Second Consultative Conference in Kabwe, Zambia

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.

1986-01-08
Message of the National Executive Committee of the ANC on the 74th Anniversary of the ANC

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.

1986-05-09
Address on Receiving the Degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa from the Jawaharlal Nehru University

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

1990-02-02
Unbanning of ANC and Formal Negotiations

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.

1990-02-11
Release of Nelson Mandela

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

1990-06-22
Nelson Mandela Addresses the UN General Assembly

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.

1991-07
Durban Conference and ANC Leadership Elections

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.

1993-11
Interim Constitution and Democratic Elections

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.

1994-04-27
First Democratic Elections in South Africa

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.

1994-05-10
Nelson Mandela Inaugurated as President of South Africa

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.

1996
Adoption of the New Constitution by the ANC in 1996

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

1997-12
Jacob Zuma becomes Deputy President of the African National Congress

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

1998
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report on ANC

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.

1999-06
Thabo Mbeki Becomes President of South Africa

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.

2001
Launch of ANC Today newsletter

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

2002
ANC's 51st National Conference in Stellenbosch

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.

2005-06-14
Removal of Jacob Zuma as Deputy President

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.

2007-12
ANC Party Convention: Zuma Defeats Mbeki

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

2008-04-15
African National Congress (ANC)

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.

2009-05
Jacob Zuma becomes President of South Africa

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.

2011
Passage of Protection of State Information Bill

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.

2012-06-26
Opening Address at the 2012 ANC National Policy Conference

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.

2012-08-16
Marikana massacre

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.

2014-05-16
African National Congress National Election List 2014

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

2014-05-21
African National Congress National Election List 2014

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

2017-12-18
Cyril Ramaphosa becomes President of the ANC

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

2018
Jacob Zuma resigns as President of South Africa

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

2020
COVID-19 Pandemic

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.

2021-05
ANC Staff Salary Payment Delay

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.

2023-12
uMkhonto weSizwe's Rise to Prominence

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.

2024-02
ANC's Involvement in Russia Forum

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.

End of the Timeline
African National Congress

Information

African National Congress

South African political party opposing apartheid
Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord

Event

Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.