ANC NYTT statement on the outcomes of the ordinary NYTT meeting held on 21-23 May 2021

26 May 2021

The ANCYL NYTT convened its ordinary meeting on the 21 -23 May 2021 at St George hotel, Irene. The meeting discussed various issues and concluded as follows:

COVID 19 PANDEMIC

The NYTT meeting noted the effects of the COVID 19 virus across the globe and the economic effects of these changes especially with regards to the youth and the disenfranchised. The ANCYL NYTT condemned the manner in which pharmaceutical companies have created a monopoly with regards to the distribution of the vaccine often leaving developing and underdeveloped countries unattended in favour of more advanced economies.

The ANCYL calls for the acceleration of the establishment and functionality of a government owned pharmaceutical company to ensure that South Africa is able to effectively service its own people without relying on international intervention. The ANCYL NYTT calls for the South African society to exercise caution in light of the pending 3rd wave, it furthermore calls for the acceleration of the vaccination process to ensure that the country achieves herd immunity in the shortest time frame possible

Attacks on Palestine

The NYTT is appalled by the recent attacks on Palestine by the Israeli military. The recent attack by the Netanyahu regime of GAZA has already resulted in more than 227 deaths. The situation in Palestine can no longer be ignored and tangible solutions must be implemented by the international community. The NYTT calls for the immediate expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador in South Africa until such time the Israeli regime demonstrate the capacity to peacefully coexist with the people of Palestine. The NYTT calls for intensification of boycotts and sanctions against Israel.

The NYTT further reaffirmed the importance of international solidarity campaigns within the SADC region, through paying particular attention to the conflict faced by the people of Mozambique and the continuous struggles for the right to self-determination by the people of Swaziland.

Domestic Balance of forces

The meeting noted the current developments in the ANC with extreme concern, the NYTT acknowledges the need for unity and organisational discipline during such precarious times. The meeting resolved that the ANC is the only beacon of hope for the poor and dejected masses of South Africa. The ANC must rise above its current challenges in order to tangibly fulfil its role. It is imperative that the Mass Democratic Movement work towards fostering a unified ANC capable of transforming South Africa and ushering in social economic transformation and ultimately the national democratic Society.

Local government By-Elections results

The recent by-elections that took place across the country have yet again proved that the people of South Africa have faith in the governance provided by the ANC. The NYTT was pleased to note the emergence of young people as ward councillor candidates, the meeting further congratulated all the branches and wards for their hard work in ensuring an overwhelming victory in favour of the ANC. The meeting endorsed the campaign of #MotjhaPalong (Umnt'omtsha epalini, young people on the poles) which calls for the inclusion of young people in the local government structures as ward councillor candidates, PR councillor candidates and MMC's and Mayors. Young people must be found at helm of local government structures, the youth is further encouraged to participate robustly in the upcoming lists conferences of the ANC to ensure that young people are represented and acknowledged.

Organisational resolutions Liquidation

The ANCYL was liquidated in July 2018, through a court order that was granted in the South Gauteng High court. There have been numerous attempts to have the liquidation order set aside, the pace of the process was largely affected by unforeseen circumstances such as the COVID 19 Pandemic, however the ANCYL NYTT is proud to announce that the liquidation order has been set aside. In essence the ANCYL is able to operate as recognised entity.

Road Map to the 26th ANCYL National congress

The meeting deliberated on the guidelines and roadmap framework to congress, with attention given to the state of readiness of structures. Cut-off date for membership for congress purposes is 30 June 2021, further details with regards to this membership submission will be communicated to structures in due course. The meeting resolved that the 26th National Congress of the ANCYL will be convened from 30 September — 3 October 2021, the venue will be communicated at a later stage.

The NYTT noted the possible effects that the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdown restrictions may have on the roadmap and is currently engaged in a process of finding innovative ways to ensure that members are able to participate in BGMs and congresses with the least possible risk. The ANCYL NYTT is committed to delivering a credible congress and encourages members and structures to exercise the highest level of discipline and patience to ensure that the process is credible and accessible. The road map will be finalised in the next NYTT meeting and the date to launch discussion documents will be communicated after the next meeting.

Restructuring of the ANCYL NYTT

The ANCYL NYTT was informed by the ANC that there were certain members appointed to the NYTT that did not meet the criteria set out by the terms of references and the constitutional provisions of the ANCYL with regards to age. The ANC SGO has communicated to these members individually and terminated their membership of the NYTT.

The initially appointed structure of the ANCYL NYTT comprised of 35 people has now been reduced to 28 people. In light of these developments and the overwhelming desire of the ANCYL NYTT to ensure that its processes adhere to the principles of its own constitution, a decision was taken to re-elect the National Working Task Team. The meeting further resolved that the NWTT must recommend a Fundraiser, spokesperson and organiser for appointment by the next NYTT meeting. The restructured NWTT is as follows:

Nonceba Mhlauli (F)

Joy Maimela (F)

Precious Banda (F)

Fasiha Hassan (F)

Stella Mondlane (F)

Collen Malatji (M)

Thuthukile Zuma (F)

Vennies Blennies (F)

Tlangi Mogale (F)

Eugene Manana (M)

Kenny Motshegoa (M)

Conclusion

A momentous task has been thrusted upon the NYTT, it is imperative that this task is completed with diligent and respect for the glorious history and standing of the ANCYL. The NYTT acknowledged the various challenges faced by structures of the ANCYL and the deplorable state of political education and tangible programs of actions.

Whilst the need to renew structures cannot be ignored or downplayed it is imperative that all decisions take place within the confines of the organisation culture and constitutional prescripts of the organisation. The NYTT calls for unity, determination and perseverance among the youth as we embark on this journey, we urge young people to view this process as opportunity for the rebirth of the parliament of young people in pursuit of their socio-economic liberation.

Issued by Refilwe Lekgothoane, ANC NYTT Communications Manager, 26 May 2021