The ANC Youth League spent a massive R17-million on its national conference in Mangaung in the Free State. After the conference was aborted inconclusively, this money is now wasted.
Two league leaders have said the money came from various donors including the ANC and businessmen Tokyo Sexwale and Patrice Motsepe.
Although it is not clear how much each of the two businessmen contributed, the league has said Sexwale paid transport and accommodation costs for all 4 Â 000 delegates who attended the conference.
Other costs of the conference included a sound system, decorations, printing, fleet, printing of organisational documents, T-shirts and administration.
The ANCYL has told the Mail & Guardian the R17-million budget was exceeded after the conference was extended by a day, but refused to say how much the extra cost was.
The conference turned into a mini battlefield, with rival factions exchanging blows and throwing objects at one another in what has been described as a tense leadership battle.
About seven provinces disputed Julius Malema’s election as the new president, claiming the election, together with those of four other officials, was not free and fair as a number of delegates were prevented from voting.
Another complaint raised by some delegates centred on the involvement of former ANCYL national executive committee members Saki Mofokeng and Vuyiswa Tulelo in the credential process.
Mofokeng and Tulelo were candidates for the positions of youth league president and secretary general, respectively.
The conference has asked the ANC to set up a committee to look at the legitimacy of the league’s newly elected leadership.
A special conference will also be arranged to complete the process of electing the league’s national executive committee and to discuss policy.
Although the elections are disputed, the newly appointed leaders appeared to be convinced that they would carry on with their job normally.
This week Malema was interviewed by several radio stations and referred to himself as ANCYL president.
Newly elected treasurer Pule Mabe said the league would convene a special national general council as soon as possible to conclude the work of the conference.
However, North West league chairperson Patrick Pelele said the top five leaders have no authority to conduct any affairs of the league until all disputes have been resolved satisfactorily through the ANC.