/ 10 March 2012

No speaking platform for ANCYL’s Pule Mabe

The ANCYL has slammed reports that its treasurer general Pule Mabe will be addressing a regional conference, as reports abound of infighting.

ANC Youth League treasurer general Pule Mabe will not be delivering an address at the North West youth league’s Dr Kenneth Kaunda regional conference, the league said on Saturday.

Dismissing media reports suggesting that Mabe was a contender for the position of league president, the ANCYL in the North West said these were “divisive, malicious and scandalous”.

“We find it worrying that the media saw fit to run such a story without confirming such a story with legitimate structures of the North West,” ANCYL provincial secretary Tshwane Legae said in a statement.

“The provincial executive committee of the North West would like to dismiss the media report that the treasurer general is scheduled to address the regional congress in Dr Kenneth Kaunda [district municipality].”

Legae said Mabe remained part of the collective and was welcome to visit the province at any given time when invited by legitimate structures of the organisation.

While the league has fought to present a united front following the expulsion of its leader Julius Malema, vowing not to replace him, reports have emerged of infighting in the league. Sources said Mabe was attempting to take Malema’s job by rallying behind the scenes for the league to accept Malema’s expulsion

The league has come down hard on the rumours, holding a press conference on Monday where Mabe read from a prepared statement, pledging his support for Malema.

“Media detractors should altogether stop using my name to drive divisions within the ANC Youth League, because such attempts will never succeed. I am committed to the struggle for economic freedom in our lifetime and will never sell out the revolution,” Mabe said. “We are one. You must not isolate Malema from us. You can try but it won’t happen. The youth are ready to liberate themselves. We aren’t speaking in a tavern but Luthuli House — the revolutionary house.” — Sapa with M&G