Kathrada Foundation denounces intolerance displayed by ANCYL at memorial
10 April 2017
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has expressed concern over the Kwa-Zulu Natal ANC Youth League’s display of intolerance at a memorial service held for anti-apartheid struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada in Durban on Sunday.
The service was hosted by the Active Citizens Movement (ACM), a forum initiated by anti-apartheid activists aimed at strengthening democracy and the values enshrined in the Constitution. The event was supported by the Foundation.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Neeshan Balton said that the KZN youth league’s conduct was disrespectful to the memory of Kathrada. “Youth league members openly disregarded the Court order preventing them from disrupting proceedings following the urgent interdict sought by the ACM.”
“Disrupting the ANC Treasurer General Zweli Mkhize and former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s speeches simply points to the intolerance of youth league members. Drowning out people’s views simply because you may differ with them is reflective of undemocratic behaviour,” he added.