ANC Youth League Western Cape condemns the attack on the home of Gugulethu DA Youth Chair
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Western Cape condemns the cowardly and thuggish attack on the home of the Gugulethu DA Youth Chair, Luzuko Mngqibisa in Tambo Square, Gugulethu in the early hours of Saturday morning. The ANC Youth League also extends its sympathy to Mr Mngibisa and his family and wishes him strength through this challenging time (see report).
These violent acts of intimidation are devastating to the psyche of young people in the Western Cape, particularly those residing in poor communities still affected by apartheid. In order to contribute to a better Western Cape, our youth need to be politically active in an environment that is free from intimidation. The ANC Youth League promotes the Constitutional right of freedom of association which the ANC championed in the struggle against apartheid and during the negotiations. We therefore welcome the fact that the incident has been reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS) and urge SAPS to act decisively.
The ANC Youth League is however disturbed by the ridiculous allegation made by DA Leader Helen Zille's Chief of Staff, Geordin Hill-Lewis that this despicable act is part of the ANC Youth League's so-called un-governability campaign in the Western Cape. There is no such campaign led by the ANC Youth League in the Western Cape. The DA's statement has the potential of fuelling unnecessary rumours and acts of intimidation.
We challenge Mr Hill-Lewis to come forward with evidence that such a campaign exists under the leadership of the ANC Youth League in the Western Cape and that this particular crime was committed by the ANC Youth League. Instead of allowing their imagination to run wild the DA should ensure that the Western Cape Government builds safer communities for the most vulnerable in our province.
Statement issued by Muhammad Khalid Sayed, ANC Youth League Western Cape Provincial Task Team (PTT) Convenor, July 3 2013
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
