ANC KZN youth pledge their full support for Zweli Mkhize
ANC KZN youth representatives have pledged “undying” support for ANC presidential hopeful Dr Zweli Mkhize in his presidential campaign at Nasrec in December.
The young lions and other student formations were gathered at the UKZN’S Unite Building at Howard College to listen to an address by Mkhize on Tuesday evening.
Pledging his support, KZN ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said the primary role of the KZN ANC Youth League was to transform the lives of its citizens and make them better.
Mtolo further launched an attack on the ANC leadership, saying that whenever “revolutionists” (sic) get elected, they get arrested.
“We are not defying anyone when we nominate ukhabazela, but we want someone who is going to make the lives of South Africans better,” he echoed.
KZN ANC spokesperson Mafika Mndebele did not mince his words. “KZN is our home, our family. Therefore we need cadres who will be able to take the ANC forward,” he said.
Mndebele said as the KZN youth league they supported former president Jacob Zuma in his campaign to become ANC president, and also in 2017 they again supported Dr Nkosazana Dlaminizuma in her campaign … therefore their pledge for Dr Mkhize’s presidential campaign should be construed as being patriotic towards the KZN leadership.
“In our doing so, it should not be seen as representing any faction, but formally representing the ANC in KZN. This then affirms our undying support and position to nominate Dr Mkhize to represent KZN at Nasrec,” said Mndebele.
Mndebele blamed those who he said wanted to be “fashionable” by insulting the ANC.
“When everyone in KZN was speaking about violence, it was Zuma and Mkhize who quelled the violence when it was not fashionable to do so.”
He added that there no charges have been levelled against Dr Mkhize, urging people to “stop listening to lies”.
“The mission we are on is above many … but about the socio-economic liberation of our people, and mostly is about reclaiming our land, and also about saving our state enterprises,” said Mndebele.
UKZN Sasco president Ayanda Radebe complained about the escalating cost of living, saying that it has made living for an average South African very hard. He blamed the ANC leadership for colluding with the capitalist West in their quest to further impoverish the African.
Addressing the attendees, Mkhize told his followers and enthusiasts that they were the future of South Africa.
During his speech, Mkhize narrated a story of his days as a student at the then University of Natal (now UKZN): “Many years ago we fought for free education as students on this very campus … of which many of you are today enjoying the freedoms.”
Mkhize told the audience that they needed to focus on their education: “Because you need education in order for you to be good leaders. Always know and remember that the life of a person without education is dead.
“You are the owners of South Africa, and the future of this country we call home, therefore you must unite in the fight and liberation for all those who live in it.
“The ANC’S vision to create a better life for all should be embraced by all those who clamour for a united South Africa and a better life for all who live in it,” Mkhize added.
“You must fight for the elimination of hunger and suffering.”