Cake’s cut, now the work

FORMER British Prime Minister Harold Wilson held that a week was a long time in politics. It is, and his celebrated observation offers a useful perspective on the singular achievement of 100 years in politics.

Congratulations to the African National Congress, therefore, on reaching this milestone on Sunday. Its longevity and its continuing strength, proven at the polls, deserve applause.

Addressing the celebrants in Bloemfontein, ANC leader Jacob Zuma dwelled on the movement’s history, milestones and luminaries. Much of his January 8 speech was a historic reflection. Having spent almost 18 years of its century in power, the attention he paid the organisation’s record and past glory was proportionate.

Cosatu described the ANC as the torchbearer of the African continent, the fountain of hope to millions of the oppressed and exploited masses, a giant whose struggle record was unparalleled.

The mighty challenge for the ANC is to avoid becoming a source of disappointment to millions who are still waiting, less patiently now, for their promised better life.

For the ANC it will be a year of celebration, but it will require toil and correction in equal measure. It will have to overcome the greed within, the factionalism and spreading rot, and that evil which has ruined the potential of many an African country, patronage.

It will have to re-establish the ANC’S admired historical values and discipline, which seem to have gone awry. Like the batsman taking guard afresh after reaching his century, the ANC will have to renew and realign itself.

The ANC has done this before, hence its endurance. But it will take exceptional leadership. Zuma spoke of rejuvenating the ANC, preparing a new generation of leaders “whose integrity and passion to serve our country are unquestionable”.

Zuma spoke, too, of urgent and practical steps. He seems to realise that business as usual is no option for a troubled ANC. Or was this just lip service?