As the ANC began its year-long centenary celebrations in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, yesterday, the country and the world took pride in what has been achieved since the organisation's first meeting was convened in 1912 to fight racism and overturn the conquest of the African people.

President Jacob Zuma and other ANC leaders must take pride in having kept the fires of freedom burning for so long.

The founding fathers of the ANC and those who came after them fought for freedom for all in a land ravaged by colonialism and apartheid.

Following the attainment of freedom in 1994 and the ANC's accession to government, the struggle for freedom and justice has continued.

Thanks to a visionary leadership dating back to the formation of the ANC, South African today can boast of a progressive constitution and bill of rights.

As the ruling party starts another 100 years, a renewed battle must be fought - to attain total freedom for the marginalised and downtrodden.

The freedom we celebrate today must be reflected by changes on the ground.

If it fails to make meaningful changes, the ANC will find it difficult to reach another 100 years with pride and honour.

Factionalism, greed and arrogance are tearing the organisation apart.

Gone are the days when people joined the party because it represented a noble cause. Today's members are concerned about state tenders and political influence.

Zuma has a chance to bring honour and dignity back to an organisation that has withstood everything thrown at it by its enemies.

In his speech to the party faithful yesterday, Zuma said South Africa must renew its determination to build a country founded on the principles of the Freedom Charter.

Unity in diversity, rigorous debate and leadership renewal after every presidential term will help keep the ANC on course for another century.