Media Statements

As the faithful across South Africa and the world observe the sacred seasons of Easter and Passover, the African National Congress (ANC) extends its heartfelt wishes to all Christian and Jewish families. This is a time of sacrifice, deliverance, and renewal — a spiritual moment that invites reflection and recommitment to the values that define who we are as a people and what we seek to become as a nation.

Easter and Passover are not only spiritual observances; they resonate deeply with the founding spirit of the ANC, born in 1912 at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church. From its inception, the ANC has drawn moral courage from the faith of our people — faith that carried generations through colonial oppression, apartheid brutality, and the long road to freedom. In this sacred season, we are reminded that the foundation of a just society is built on compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to fairness.

“The teachings of this time call on us to act with justice in our daily lives, to treat others with mercy, and to approach service with humility. They compel us to reject indifference in the face of injustice, poverty, and exclusion. We are called to be generous in spirit and responsive to the needs of others — not merely through words, but through the systems we build and the society we shape. Ours must be an economy in which all can participate meaningfully, and where no one is left behind on the basis of race, gender, class, or background,” said Reverend Dr Molefe Tsele, ANC Chaplain General.

As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, we are reminded that its bold vision still guides us: a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, governed by the will of its people and shaped by a collective commitment to justice and human dignity. This is a time to renew our promise to that vision — not only in grand speeches, but in how we treat each other, how we uplift the poor, and how we protect the vulnerable.

We call on all South Africans to honour life during this holiday season. This includes taking responsibility on our roads, exercising caution, and celebrating with care. The sanctity of life must be reflected in how we drive, how we behave, and how we protect one another. Public transport operators and all drivers must take every measure to ensure that no family has to mourn a loved one due to preventable road tragedies.

Law enforcement visibility will be heightened throughout the country during this period. We urge everyone to cooperate and to remain vigilant. Let our passage through this season be a journey toward freedom, not a detour into tragedy.To all families observing Easter and Passover, may this time bring peace to your homes, clarity to your thoughts, and rest to your spirits. May we, as a nation, walk the sacred path of justice and nation-building with courage, unity, and conviction — not only during this season, but in every decision, we make for the future of our country.

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