The ANCYL is concerned about the ANC's increasing intolerance to dissent: Statement of the African National Congress Youth League on the City Press boycott and the resignation of Vusi Pikoli

The African National Congress Youth League has noted with concern the recent media reports on Vusi Pikoli's resignation from Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo and the statement issued by the African National Congress calling for a boycott of the City Press newspaper.

Mr. Pikoli's assertion that he was removed as a result of political interference from ANC and our motherbody's call to boycott City Press demonstrate a growing intolerance of dissent and differing views within our organisation. 

Recent events such as these are reminiscent of and reaffirm the view of the Youth League that the leadership of the ANC is committed to silencing the views, not only of young people, as evidenced by the expulsion and banning of our President and suspension of our leaders. The ANC seems determined to suppress even the views of individuals, as in the case of Reuel Khoza and church leaders, and the media who are brave enough to express views not sanctioned by the leadership. 

We therefore call on our organisation to reconsider its intimidation tactics against the City Press in particular and on all members of society to determinedly defend the right to differing views with no fear of retribution.

Statement issued by the ANC Youth League, May 26 2012

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