President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of inclusivity and non-racialism during a cake-cutting ceremony at the Athlone Civic Centre, part of the ANC’s 113th-anniversary celebrations.

Speaking to attendees, Ramaphosa highlighted the absence of coloured community members at the event, despite their significant presence in the Athlone area.

“The ANC has always been a party that advocates for non-racialism,” said Ramaphosa. “Non-racialism means that white South Africans, Black South Africans, South Africans who are coloured, and those who are Indian must feel at home within the ANC.”

Reflecting on the gathering, he noted, “I looked at all of us and realized that we are in Athlone, where many coloured people reside, yet many of them are not here.”

Ramaphosa urged the ANC to strengthen efforts to engage all communities and make them feel part of the organization. “We must reach out to other national groups and ensure they feel at home within the ANC,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging attendees to actively promote inclusivity and diversity within the party, ensuring that the ANC remains a space for all South Africans.