Lamola says it's important for ANC to host fundraisers as party needs funds

CAPE TOWN - International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola says it’s important that the African National Congress (ANC) hosted events like gala dinners to raise funds because the party needed money to function.

Lamola was speaking before the party’s presidential gala dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday evening.

The gala event is part of the ANC's 113th anniversary celebrations which will culminate on Saturday at a big bash in Khayelitsha and the January 8 statement by the president.

"The organisation needs funds to function and run. So we are glad that there is a number of people who are prepared to fund and support the work of the organisation."

On the country's International Court of Justice genocide case against Israel, Lamola said that he welcomed Ireland's decision to join the case.

"It is a very important step by Ireland, particularly also given its history. They understand the issue of solidarity."