ANCYL MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE ATTACKS BY MARCHERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WORKERS AND LEADERS

The ANCYL is appalled by the violent nature and unruly attacks caused by the Democratic Alliance (DA) march on members of the public, workers and leaders of COSATU and ANCYL. The provocations by members of the DA are unwarranted and the ANCYL strongly condemns the violence displayed. The ANCYL condemns the spilling of blood and damage to property brought upon the city by the Democratic Alliance.

The Democratic Alliance led by Helen Zille confirmed that indeed it is an organisation that advances the perpetuation of slavery by defending labour brokers, this reaffirms the notion of the racist tendencies of the DA including the calling of balck people refugees. They have never failed to demonstrate that racism remains at the fore of their agenda. The march was an outright staging of the DA's white monopoly capital tendencies towards eroding the role played by labour unions in enriching the lives of the poorest of the poor.

This incident clearly demonstrates that the leadership of the DA is lacking as such an unfortunate incident could have been avoided. The DA march was meant to have concluded at the Civic Theatre but however proceeded to COSATU House, which ultimately resulted in violent clashes and injuries including that of ANCYL NEC member Cde Thabo Kupa who was injured by protesters.

The ANCYL condemns the attacks, as we have remained disciplined at all times especially when we led a massive Economic Freedom March from Johannesburg to Pretoria. This behaviour by the DA must be condemned by all in society for having caused injuries to innocent citizens.

Statement issued by the ANC Youth League, May 16 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter