The ANC is a national liberation movement. It was formed in 1912 to unite the African people and spearhead the struggle for fundamental political, social and economic change.
The ANC's key objective is the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.
This means the liberation of Africans in particular and black people in general from political and economic bondage. It means uplifting the quality of life of all South Africans, especially the poor.
The ANC is in an alliance with the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Each Alliance partner is an independent organisation with its own constitution, membership and programmes. The Alliance is founded on a common commitment to the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution, and the need to unite the largest possible cross-section of South Africans behind these objectives.
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Pixley ka Isaka Seme was born on 1 October 1881 and died on 7 June 1951. He was a founder and President of the African National Congress.
Seme was born in Natal, at the Inanda mission station of the American Zulu Mission of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
At age 17 Seme left South Africa to study in the U.S., first at the Mount Hermon School and then Columbia University. In 1906, his senior year at University, he was awarded the Curtis Medal, Columbia's highest oratorical honor. He subsequently decided to become an attorney. In October 1906 he was admitted to Oxford University to read for the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law; while at Oxford he was a member of Jesus College.
Seme returned to South Africa in 1911. In response to the formation of the Union of South Africa, he worked with several other young African leaders who had recently returned from university studies in England, Richard Msimang, George Montsioa and Alfred Mangena, and with est...
EXPLORE THE ANC
General
What is the ANC • How to join the ANC • Introduction to the ANC
Structures and Contacts
Luthuli House • National Executive Committee • National Working Committee • Provincial Leadership • Regional offices