ANCYL welcomes Cde Kgalema Motlanthe's acceptance of nomination

The African National Congress Youth League has received the news of the acceptance of nomination as ANC Presidential candidate by Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe with great excitement and jubilation. Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe, a fearless leader who refused to be intimidated and stood by ANC principle, is indeed the future of the ANC and the future of South Africa.

We have learnt many critical lessons from the manner in which Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe has conducted himself in the lead up to the 53rd National Conference. Unlike many members and even leaders who continue to erode the founding values and traditions of the ANC by going out to campaign for themselves, Comrade Kgalema has reaffirmed the notion that leadership of the ANC is earned through service.

It is a humbling honour that is bestowed by the members of the organisation on the best amongst us, based on their visible service and dedication to our glorious movement, the African National Congress and the people of South Africa.It is earned and justly deserved through humility, integrity, principle and confirmed through our democratic practices which place the decision on who to lead in the hands of branches and not self-appointed leaders.

We trust that members of the ANC, young and old, will emulate the example set by Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe and at all times resist the urge to believe they are leaders before the people have said they are leaders. We all must further have the conviction of our views and principles to stand our ground even in the face of tough opposition from those who would want to place political expediency before political principle.

We are even more resolute that the decision to lobby for the election of Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe as President is a correct one and we do not doubt the wisdom to ANC branches to also appreciate that which is glaringly obvious. We welcome too the acceptance of nomination of Comrades Fikile Mbalula, Tokyo Sexwale, bo Mama Thenjiwe Mtintso and Thandi Modise, Cde Matthews Phosa and all other candidates who shall be contesting election. We have no doubt that democracy is alive and well in the ANC.

In Manguang, victory is certain. The ANC shall regain its integrity and the overwhelming confidence of the people through its conduct and the decisions it takes.

Statement issued by the African National Congress Youth League, December 13 2012

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