ANC's 5th National General Council Concludes with Focus on Renewal and Economic Transformation

ANC Concludes Pivotal Midterm Review in Boksburg

The African National Congress (ANC) wrapped up its 5th National General Council (NGC) on December 11, 2025, at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni Region, Gauteng, South Africa. The four-day gathering, which commenced on December 8, served as a critical midterm platform to assess the party's progress since its 55th National Conference and to chart a course for future action. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the closing address, highlighting key outcomes and reaffirming the party's commitment to its foundational principles.

'Step Aside' Rule and Organisational Integrity

In his closing remarks, President Ramaphosa lauded party members who have voluntarily adhered to the ANC's 'step aside' rule. He stated, 'Those members who are stepping aside voluntarily while the matters that could bring the ANC into disrepute are being processed are to be applauded because a number of them have come forward.' Ramaphosa emphasized that this demonstrates a growing commitment among the membership to uphold the integrity of the ANC, noting it as an area where 'we are seeing progress on a progressive basis'. The NGC also focused heavily on organisational renewal, addressing challenges such as declining membership, weak branches, factionalism, and the erosion of public confidence.

Resolutions for Economic Transformation and Social Equity

The 5th NGC adopted a series of resolutions aimed at fundamentally transforming South Africa's political economy. These resolutions are designed to:

• Grow jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
• Reduce poverty and inequality across the nation.
• Improve service delivery to all communities.

A significant point of discussion was the proposal to expand the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) beyond its current focus on inflation targeting, to include explicit objectives for employment creation and economic growth. The party's Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, read the final declaration, which instructs the National Executive Committee (NEC) to translate these recommendations into a 'renewal and rejuvenation action plan'.

Reaffirming the Freedom Charter and Future Direction

The council operated under the theme: 'The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Wealth of the Country!' President Ramaphosa urged delegates to use the Freedom Charter as a yardstick for measuring the ANC's achievements and to ensure the party remains faithful to its mandate of building a society where vulnerable and previously excluded citizens benefit from the economy. Discussions also touched upon the relationship with alliance partners, with a decision to request SACP members to recuse themselves from ANC election workshops and strategy meetings due to the SACP's independent electoral stance. The NGC underscored the ANC's commitment to leading meaningful social and economic transformation in South Africa.