‘Outsider’ tipped to steer the ANCYL ship

A dark horse contender for the crucial ANC Youth League leadership has emerged with a strong chance of defeating the candidate favoured by outgoing president Fikile Mbalula.

Current treasurer Saki Mofokeng has the backing of at least five provinces in his battle to become the next youth league president.

Although Mbalula is believed to favour Jacob Zuma backer Julius Malema, Malema could be running out of time as Mofokeng is likely to receive support from the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

Limpopo and Mpumalanga support Malema.

Because of the youth league’s influence in ANC matters it has attracted attention from its mother body. ANC national executive committee members Billy Masetlha, Mnyamezeli Booi and Cassel Mathale are believed to support Malema.

‘They are supporting Mbalula, they are the people who are behind Julius [Malema’s] candidacy, if you want to have another Mbalula you must make sure that you elect Julius,” said an Eastern Cape youth leader.

Mofokeng supported Zuma to become ANC president, but his critics say he is soft and academic. Support for him so far appears to cut across the Zuma-Mbeki divide in the ANC.

A league member in the Eastern Cape said: ‘We will be supporting Saki [Mofokeng]. He is a seasoned leader and has been part of the league for such a long period, he knows everything in the league. Julius is not diplomatic and has a high school education.”

KwaZulu-Natal remains a stronghold for Mofokeng, with the provincial chairperson Ntlakanipho Ntombela announcing its support.

Lower South Coast is the only region in the province that has thrown its support behind Malema, after a visit by Mbalula.

North West will be supporting Mofokeng: ‘The race is between Malema and Saki, but the province is likely to support Saki. We want someone who is going to be vocal like Mbalula and defend the interests of the young people — a robust and an arrogant leader,” said a youth league member.

Although Gauteng province has been cagey about its position, a league member said ‘People are supporting Saki.”

Mofokeng, from the Free State, confirmed that he would be standing: ‘Yes, I’m standing, I have been persuaded by people to do that.”