The centenary celebration was held where the liberation movement was formed - in Mangaung, Free State. Many people, including heads of state and former presidents, descended on Mangaung to celebrate with the oldest liberation movement on the continent.

In an unprecedented move, the ruling party broke away from its traditional practice and allowed only President Jacob Zuma to speak. There is a school of thought that this was done to avoid the president being embarrassed by the party's youth league, though the ruling party has denied this.

Despite its many challenges, the ANC has many reasons to celebrate its centenary. It has played a pivotal role in the struggle against the evil of apartheid. Though it was not the only liberation movement, it has played a leading role in helping to free the country.

The ruling party has also produced great leaders such as Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, to name but three. And it is expected to produce more extraordinary leaders.

Challenges faced by the movement are different to those of yesterday. Chief among the myriad challenges confronting the ruling party today is corruption, which is eating away at the soul of the nation, and the liberation movement has admitted as much.

The pertinent question is: has Zuma's party delivered on its promises? The answer is a resounding "no". A lot still needs to be done to liberate the masses from the shackles of poverty. That said, the masses still have confidence in the ANC that it will take them to the promised land.

The ruling party has seen it all and survived the storms. It is a giant movement and an "international inspiration", as Nicolas Sarkozy described it. Happy 100 years, ANC!