Local youth league backs Dlamini Zuma
THE ANC Youth League in the Frances Baard region has thrown its support behind Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to succeed her ex-husband, President Jacob Zuma.
This is contrary to the ANC Provincial Executive Committee’s endorsement of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as its presidential candidate.
The ANCYL regional task team (RTT) held a press conference yesterday to encourage people to attend a Freedom Charter lecture that will be addressed by Dlamini Zuma at the Mayibuye Centre on Saturday at 12pm.
RTT spokesperson Khanyi Mabaso stated that they would not become entangled in the succession debate.
“We have met with all the branches and general membership. We do not need the blessing of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC). We only answer to the ANCYL provincial chairperson, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, and report to the PEC of the ANCYL,” said Mabaso.
He pointed out that they were not responsible for organising the lecture, but were only supporting it and urging members and activists to attend the event.
ANCYL RTT convener Michael Setlhogomi explained that the Freedom Charter lecture had to be postponed on two occasions already, due to the unavailability of Dlamini Zuma and not due to factional battles.
Setlhogomi indicated that they would be lobbying amongst the branches to rally for Dlamini Zuma.
“We, along with the national ANCYL, support mama Dlamini Zuma but will not impose upon the branches. We are not against the ANC, as we are members of the organisation and are rebuilding the ANCYL in the region.”
ANCYL RTT co-ordinator Sandiseni Sithole added that they would “hit the ground running” in campaigning for Dlamini Zuma.
“We will engage with all branches of the ANCYL to rally behind the proposed structure to ensure a decisive victory to lead the ANC following the national elective conference in December.”
He noted with “grave concern” the disunity displayed by the ANC in the region, where “parallel programmes” were organised along “factional lines”.
Sithole vowed that the ANCYL would “shut down” the country should free education not be implemented by 2018.
“We must continue to advocate for the expropriation of land without compensation as a means of addressing the injustices of the past,” he added.
The ANCYL in the Frances Baard region’s proposed structure: