ANCYL’S disturbing threat of militancy

The article headed “ANCYL steps up its battle with Absa” (Sunday Tribune, June 25) reflects the hypocrisy of the ANC Youth League, the “kindergarten” wing of the ANC, which seems to have taken up the cudgels on behalf of the ANC.

The reliance of the ANCYL on Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s report on the matter of a loan to Absa by the SA Reserve Bank is indeed a chilling reminder of how political expediency trumps principle and reality.

This very group dismissed the previous public protector, Thuli Madonsela, when she made recommendations with regard to the Nkandla debacle – going to the extent of publicly demonising her for filing such a damning report.

What concerns me is the veiled threats of militancy that, as we have become accustomed to, lead to looting and mayhem and the destruction of property.

There are elements in the ANCYL who defy their youth status (apparently if you are under 35, you are still considered youth) with indiscreet calls that at times belie their apparent maturity.

Absa has stated that their obligation of repayment has been met and any dispute should be referred to the relevant authorities so that due process finalises the matter in a judicious manner.

I also note, with concern, the haste with which the incumbent public protector made the report. This from a woman who has not yet fully understood her role or functionality in terms of a Chapter 9 institution, by calling for a change in our constitution, and tactically delaying reporting on the alleged state capture, of which her appointer, Jacob Zuma, is a leading protagonist.

We may not have heard the last on this matter from the ANCYL, but I dare say that when mob mentality permeates any organisation, especially one like the ANCYL, then we should brace ourselves for chaos, mayhem and gratuitous destruction of property – all in the name of the effects of apartheid.

NARENDH GANESH Durban North