/ 15 June 2013

ANC push SA youth to fight for economic freedom

Anc Push Sa Youth To Fight For Economic Freedom
Across the country, young people tell us daily about the barriers they face when looking for work.

"The struggle for economic emancipation … in this lifetime is undoubtedly the struggle that this generation of young people must commit their collective energies to," Mthembu said in a statement on Saturday.

"It is young people that must drive the charge within the ANC and society in general to achieve a society based on universal human rights, equality and prosperity," he said.

Mthembu said the ANC together with the rest of South African public would celebrate Youth Day on Sunday remembering the efforts of the youth of 1976.

"The gallant fighting spirit of young people on that day, will forever remain a reminder of the determination … and unrelenting stance taken by young people to forever change the course of the struggle of African people in South Africa," he said.

He said the nation was forever indebted to generations of youth who fought the "tyranny" of apartheid.

'Midwives' of the ANCYL
Mthembu also praised the generations which preceded that of 1976, which included Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Anton Lembede. He described them as "midwives" of the ANC Youth League.

Mthembu said since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the ANC had developed policies which were "unambiguously pro-poor" to lift people from poverty and unemployment.

"Young people, the future of our country, are free to belong to a trade union, political party or any other organised formation of their choice," Mthembu said.

While much had been achieved, there still remained much more to be done, he said.

Mthembu also wished former president Mandela a speedy recovery in hospital.

"We … wish Madiba well whilst he is in hospital and call upon South Africans … to continue to keep him in their thoughts and prayers," he said.

Ailing Mandela
Mandela was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria last Saturday for a recurring lung infection.

On Saturday, Mandela's grandson announced that the struggle icon is recovering well.

The comment by Mandla Mandela was the latest indication that the health of his 94-year-old grandfather, South Africa's first black president, was showing signs of improvement. Mandela has been receiving visits from family members after he was rushed to hospital a week ago with a recurrence of lung problems.

"Madiba is recovering very well and looks good," Mandla Mandela said in Qunu, a village in the Eastern Cape province where Mandela was born and spent his early years.

Speaking in Xhosa at a funeral of another relative, he said: "I thank the nation and the world for the prayers for Madiba, and the doctors and the office of the ANC for keeping the family updated."

President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, visited the former president on Thursday.

"Madiba's health continues to improve but his condition remains serious," Zuma said in a statement issued afterwards. – Sapa