Pella, North West – Today the President Cyril Ramaphosa led a touching wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of anti-apartheid hero Moses Kotane on Thursday, kicking off the African National Congress’s 114th birthday celebrations with a nod to the party’s deep roots in the fight for freedom.
Heartfelt Tribute to a Struggle Icon
The event unfolded in the quiet village of Pella, outside Rustenburg, where senior ANC leaders gathered to honour Kotane, a key figure in South Africa’s liberation story. Born right here in this community, Kotane left home at just 17 to join the wider battle against oppression. He rose to become the general secretary of the South African Communist Party and the treasurer general of the ANC while in exile. Sadly, he passed away in Russia in 1978, far from the land he loved, but his remains were brought back to his hometown in 2015, allowing him to rest among his people.
Ramaphosa, speaking at the gravesite, shared warm words about Kotane’s life and legacy. “Moses Kotane, as a leader of our movement, never sought the glamour of politics nor the rewards of personal ambition. Having been born in this village, he left when he was 17 and unfortunately died in exile in a foreign land,” he said. The president went on to express a shared sadness among South Africans. “We will forever regret that he never saw a free South Africa, but we know that in spirit, he has seen the South Africa he struggled to achieve. When he was finally laid to rest here after decades, it was not merely the return of a revolutionary; it was the return of a national conscience,” Ramaphosa added.
The ceremony was not just about words – it buzzed with energy as ANC top brass sang and danced, showing the party’s lively spirit even in moments of reflection. This gathering served as a reminder of Kotane’s humble start and his big impact, from joining the Communist Party of South Africa in 1929 to becoming a vice-chairman of a trade union federation and helping run the party’s newspaper. His work as an organiser and thinker helped shape the strategies that eventually toppled apartheid.
Honouring Both Moses and Rebecca Kotane
Ramaphosa did not forget Kotane’s wife, Rebecca, who stood by him through thick and thin. He praised them both as shining examples of dedication. “Today, we stand here, all of us as members of this community and the ANC and the alliance, to pay our tribute to the lives of Moses Kotane and Rebecca Kotane. Both of them occupy a towering place in the history of our country and also in the history of our liberation movement and the Struggle,” the president noted.
He highlighted their strong character: “Both these leaders carried themselves with extraordinary discipline. They were also people of rare humility. They had an unwavering devotion to the cause of the freedom of the people of South Africa. In a period defined by oppression and dispossession, these two leaders provided clarity where confusion reigned.” Ramaphosa wrapped up by saying Kotane reminds us that true struggle needs not just bold fights, but smart planning and steady effort. “Moses Kotane stands as a reminder that our struggle requires not only courage in confrontation, but responsibility in organisation and consistency in executing the tasks of our struggle.”
Kotane earned high honours like Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe for his bravery and service. His story ties into the ANC’s own journey, started in 1912 to unite Africans against colonial rule, growing into the force that led the country to democracy in 1994.
Community Warmth and Broader Celebrations
The day started with a warm welcome for Ramaphosa from locals in the Moses Kotane area, named after the icon himself. He bowed in respect at the gravesite, leading a delegation that included visits to local chiefs like Kgosi Gasebone in Phela. This outreach shows the ANC’s push to connect with grassroots communities, especially in the North West where the party has strong ties.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile also joined in, meeting ANC members at Mpekwa House to chat about upcoming events and local issues. He visited the Barolong Boo Ratlou Boo Tshidi Tribal Authority, stressing the need to tackle everyday problems like water shortages and power cuts that still plague many areas. These stops are part of a bigger mobilisation drive to rally support and reflect on the party’s path.
While Thursday focused on quiet remembrance, the main party bash is set for Saturday at Moruleng Stadium in Saulspoort, near Rustenburg. Ramaphosa will give another big speech there, expected to touch on the ANC’s wins, like leading the Government of National Unity after recent elections, and ongoing fights against poverty and inequality. Cake-cutting and other fun bits marked the day, blending joy with serious talks.
ANC’s Enduring Spirit Amid Challenges
Ramaphosa made it clear that the ANC, now 114 years old, is still a standout group in South Africa. Despite tough spots like losing some voter support and dealing with internal rifts, he pointed out many reasons to cheer. The party has overseen big changes, from ending apartheid to building schools, clinics, and homes for millions. Yet, he admitted work remains, with many still facing hard times.
This anniversary comes at a key time, with the ANC in a coalition government for the first time nationally. Leaders are calling for unity within the alliance, including the SACP and Cosatu, to push forward on jobs, education, and land reform. Past celebrations have seen similar themes, like in 2025 when the focus was on renewal after election setbacks.
Events like this wreath-laying help keep the fire alive for younger members, teaching them about heroes like Kotane who gave everything for a better tomorrow. As South Africa looks ahead, the ANC aims to stay true to its roots while fixing today’s issues, ensuring the struggle’s gains benefit everyone. For now, the mood in Pella was one of pride and hope, as the party steps into another year of service.he was doing the promises to the people of North West in Phokeng that the ANC is going to deliver
