Registration problems hamper ANCYL conference

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) national general council (NGC) was delayed by registration problems on Wednesday.

The NGC, which was meant to kick off at 11am, had not yet started after 1pm at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

Delegates, journalists and staff milled about outside the venue as they were being barred entry by security at the doors.

ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu said the proceedings were delayed as some delegates were still registering to attend the conference.

He anticipated that proceedings would get under way by 2pm.

Delegates outside the venue sang songs in support of league president Julius Malema and in support of Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula to replace ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe in 2012.

The league’s provinces have indicated that they will put a resolution before the council to lobby for Mbalula in the run-up to the ANC’s 2012 elective conference.

ANCYL deputy president Andile Lungisa cut a lone figure as he stood outside the conference venue surrounded by a handful of supporters.

He is set to challenge Malema for the league presidency in 2011. However, delegates sang songs voicing their displeasure at Lungisa and indicating that they supported Malema for a second term.

The parking lot outside the Midrand venue slowly filled with buses as more delegates arrived after midday on Wednesday.—Sapa