COPE YOUTH MOVEMENT RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT THE ANCYL BEING A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES

We have noted, with grave concern the manner in which the ANCYL and its leader, Julius Malema have been a law unto themselves with none of the senior leaders castigating them for their irresponsible actions and rhetoric. Julius Malema is an ordinary citizen of this country, regardless of which organisation he belongs to or position he holds. We find it very annoying to see his complete disregard for traffic law enforcement officers, his sheer arrogance and misinformed abrasiveness to question our law officers while doing their duty. The ANC may be in power, but South Africa belongs to all of us and action should be taken against those who disobey the law, including Julius Malema.

Secondly, it is clear that the establishment of the National Youth Development Agency was done to further create employment opportunities for cadres loyal to the ANC. This body is a national structure, funded by taxpayers for the benefit of all young people in the country. Employment opportunities in it should be opened up to all young people who have the credentials to serve in this structure. It is an indictment to our democratic dispensation to witness the filling of key positions by ANC loyalists, whilst the establishment of NYDA structures in Provinces ensues.

This process has unfortunately been marred by discussions of which individuals from the ANCYL should occupy these positions, with some Youth League representatives claiming that such positions would be filled by cadres loyal to the organisation. The ANC Government has proved once again that, nepotism and cronyism remain the order of the day, whilst we, the taxpayers are not afforded an opportunity to choose the people who can best serve in these capacities.

We call on the South African public to assist in stopping this rot before the animal farm mentality, where ANC cadres are more equal than the rest of the citizenry is exacerbated.

Statement issued by Sipho Nghona Congress of the People Youth Movement head of communications, November 2 2009

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