Accra, Jan. 10, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated the African National Congress (ANC) on its centenary celebration, noting that the ANC’s fight against apartheid and the commitment of its leaders especially, former President Nelson Mandela, to nationalism deserves commendation. Mr Mahama was speaking to journalists after an ANC event on Sunday to celebrate its 100th anniversary at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

A statement issued in Accra said he was among dozens of Heads and Deputy Heads of State invited by South African President Jacob Zuma to the event. Tens of thousands of ANC supporters in the traditional colours of black, green and gold crowded the stadium.

In his address, Mr. Zuma paid tribute to President Mandela and other African leaders both past and present who supported South Africans in their struggle towards independence. Recalling the difficult decision to pursue armed struggle, President Zuma said "Our freedom was definitely not free. It was achieved through the blood, sweat and tears of many selfless leaders and cadres of the movement."

He said the ANC would in 2012 take urgent and practical steps to revitalise the grassroots structures of the movement and place the ANC at the forefront of the progressive forces for change. Vice President Mahama observed that the ANC celebration did not represent a moment of joy for South Africans only but Africans in general especially those who followed the struggle for liberation.

The ANC was formed in January, 1912 at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein to increase the rights of the black South African population to fight against apartheid leading to South Africa holding its first universal elections in 1994, which the ANC won by an overwhelming majority.

Mr Mahama who represented President John Evans Atta Mills at the event was accompanied by the General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia and the NDC National Youth Organiser Ludwig Hlodze. Former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu, also attended the event.