Ex-ANCYL leader calls for end to squabbles
FORMER ANC Youth League (ANCYL) provincial youth league leader Songezo Mjongile, who is battling cancer in a hospital, wants the ANC to end its factional battles.
Mjongile, who rose to prominence under former ANCYL president Fikile Mbalula, has been in a Joburg clinic for three weeks.
He recently used his Facebook page to post his wishes for a different and positive outcome of the ANC national executive committee meeting.
Mjongile was unable to attend the meeting because of his ill health.
In one of his posts, he said: “To all my friends and comrades I discovered in April that I have colon cancer. Chemotherapy treatment didn’t work, instead side-effects have led to 2 (two) incidents of kidney failure and (a) mild heart attack. I survived with the grace of God. I am leaving (sic) my second lease of life and pray to God to give me the power to raise my children and family.”
In his post yesterday, he wrote: “Let me give my health status. Mouth ulcers are killing me. The throat is very dry from oxygenation. The chest is painful. (I have a) terrible back ache. I have rented a walking ring as recommended by my physiotherapy to start learning (how to) walk again. I lost weight from 115kg to 87kg. I wanna listen to good jazz and have my first plain yoghurt in three weeks. I have been on a drip and supplementary diet. My dear FBs I don’t want regime change but ANC real renewal. It must fulfil its historic mission.”
On Saturday, he indicated that if the majority wants regime change, he would prefer the leadership of Paul Mashatile in the top six.
He also wanted Mbalula, ANC general manager Febe Potgieter-Gqubule and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala to be considered in that new leadership.
Mjongile served with all three of them in the ANCYL.