By 
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State celebrated its 113 years anniversary at the Fezile Dabi Stadium in Parys. The event was graced by the National Deputy President of the ANC Mr Paul Mashatile who affirmed the crowds that the province remains the home of the ANC.
The ANC has its origins in the Free State dating back in 1912 at Waaihoek in Bloemfontein, furthermore, the province gave the liberation party two presidents, Dr James Sebe Moroka (1949 – 1952) and Rev. Zacharias Richard Mahabane (1937- 1940).
The ANC celebrated its anniversary 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 country’s wealth!’
During his address, the Deputy President of the ANC Paul Mashatile, reminded the audience about the origins of the party, the battles they fought to liberate the people from the oppressive government of apartheid. He paid tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines who braved the cruel era and sacrificed their lives so that the next generation can be free.
“Since 1912, the ANC led a struggle against racism and oppression and organised mass resistance, mobilising the international community, and after it was banned in 1959, the ANC formed uMkhonto weSizwe in 1961 and wedged an armed struggle against the apartheid regime.
The leaders who formed uMkhonto weSizwe were all arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in Robin Island – most of them spent no less than 27 years in prison. For many years, the ANC led a formidable struggle against the oppressive regime; led also by Reverent Mahabane and Dr Moroka; both of whom originate here from the Free State,” said Mashatile.
Mashatile told the community and ANC supporters that the two leaders were both born in Thaba Nchu, as such; the province has given the ANC two presidents.
The Deputy President said today the oppressed are now free because of the struggle heroes who paid the ultimate price, who were maimed, hanged and killed during the apartheid era, and even after freedom, the likes of Chris Hani were assassinated.
He said the ANC returned to the Free State to celebrate its 100 years, where they visited families and graves of the fallen heroes and heroines. He further revealed that the party will build a political school in the province to honour the fallen leaders and to preserve its legacy.
“To us the Free State remains the home of the ANC, it is here in the Free State that we always come back and gather our strength and direction from those who founded the African National Congress,” he said.
“We have also agreed, that as we re-establish the OR Tambo Political School, its physical structure must be here in the Free State as part of preserving and promoting our rich legacy as the African National Congress, this beautiful province, we love you Free State and the school is going to be built here,” continued Mashatile.
