- The African National Congress (ANC)’s 114th-anniversary celebration, held on January 10, 2026, trended for reasons beyond its political agenda.
- Social media platforms were abuzz with allegations that ‘slay queens’ converged with ANC comrades for exclusive parties and a ‘soft life’ experience.
- Discussions primarily focused on rumored after-parties at private venues rather than the ANC’s historical significance or policy resolutions.
- Young people voiced frustration, perceiving the celebration as catering to a select few enjoying privileges through political affiliations.
Online platforms, including WhatsApp groups and X (formerly Twitter) timelines, became central to the viral discussions surrounding the ANC’s celebration. The predominant narrative suggested a convergence of ‘slay queens’ and ‘powerful comrades’ at private gatherings, where they allegedly partied, drank, and enjoyed themselves, seemingly detached from the everyday struggles of ordinary South Africans.
This perception reportedly transformed the ANC’s annual birthday event, officially commemorating its founding on January 8, into a highly anticipated social calendar event, overshadowing its political importance. The viral gossip and social media commentary fueled a perception that the celebration was less about the movement’s history and more about a display of lavish lifestyles.
Youth from areas such as Rustenburg and Moruleng were particularly vocal, expressing feelings of disenfranchisement. They questioned the relevance of attending ANC events when facing unemployment and economic hardship, contrasting their reality with the perceived opulent enjoyment of others linked to political connections.
Timeline
- January 8, 2026: The African National Congress officially marks its 114th anniversary.
- January 10, 2026: The ANC holds its official 114th-anniversary celebration event.
- January 11, 2026: Social media platforms virally trend with discussions and gossip, characterising the ANC celebration as an ‘alleged slay queen paradise.’
Key Players
- African National Congress (ANC): The South African political party whose anniversary celebration sparked the controversy.
- Slay Queens: A term frequently used on South African social media to describe women associated with lavish lifestyles, central to the viral discussions.
- ANC Comrades: Members and associates of the ANC allegedly involved in the trending after-parties.
- South African Youth (Rustenburg, Moruleng): Expressed widespread frustration and criticism regarding the perceived extravagance of the event.
