ANC YOUTH LEAGUE CONCERNED BY ANC MEMBERS WHO DISRUPTED PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA's ADDRESS IN CAPE TOWN

24 February 2012

The ANC Youth League is concerned with the manner in which ANC Members in the Western Cape disrupted the lecture by President Zuma to commemorate and celebrate the life of the ANC 2nd President General Sefako Makgatho. The ANC YL also refutes claims that the disruption was caused by the ANC Youth League due to the perceived or real differences between the leadership of the ANC and ANC Youth League as portrayed by some media institutions.

This notion is conclusively incorrect and spread by opponents of ANC Unity, particularly as it celebrates 100 years of existence. All leaders and members of the ANC should at all times be respected, particularly in the course of paying tribute to struggle heroes and icons.

It is wrong that the disruption happened during the commemoration and celebration of one of the most progressive Presidents of the ANC, who was never apologetic about the necessity for reclamation of land from those who stole it from the African majority. The ANC Youth League condemns such actions and calls on all members of the ANC to respect leadership and choose correct platforms to express their frustrations and disapproval of some amongst the leadership.

Doing so is a sign of maximum discipline and will never be difficult because in December 2012, the ANC will hold its elective Conference. The leadership of the ANC carries a responsibility to listen to all its members and should never close doors on anyone. The ANC YL is not opposed to ANC efforts to follow up on the disruptions and take requisite actions on those who have erred.

Statement issued by the ANC Youth League, February 24 2012

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