/ 18 September 2005

ANC Youth League suspends deputy president

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) on Saturday suspended its deputy president, Reuben Mohlaloga, over remarks he made disowning the organisation’s decision over the ”two centres of power” debate.

The ANCYL national executive committee (NEC) decided to resolve the matter by referring it to the national disciplinary committee, the party said in a statement.

”Mohlaloga must be suspended from his position pending the outcome of the disciplinary action. He has also been suspended from his seat in the NEC,” the document read.

The NEC also discussed the positions of the Eastern Cape provincial chairperson and provincial secretary.

”As members of the NEC, [they also] misrepresented its decisions. These cases have also been referred to the national disciplinary committee,” the ANCYL said.

On matters pertaining to ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma, the league said it is happy that the ANC leadership will now deal with potential divisions in the movement.

”Having called for the ANC to provide leadership on this matter, we are now satisfied that leadership is being provided.”

The NEC also noted that the last national general elections saw many young people responding to its call to register and vote.

Following the recent registration on the forthcoming local government elections, more than 47% of registered people are the youth between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

”This reflects the relevancy of the work we continue to do in mobilising the youth as well as fighting for their aspirations and interests,” the ANCYL said.

It said it will focus on ensuring that the upcoming local government elections become a platform to ensure that all local authorities become vehicles for an integrated youth-development programme. — Sapa