ANC Youth League deputy president Andile Lungisa appears to have withdrawn from the race for the league’s presidency, for which he seemed set to challenge Julius Malema.
Lungisa, the chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency, has decided to throw his weight behind Gauteng ANCYL chairperson Lebogang Maile, who is also contesting the president’s position.
The league’s elective conference is due to take place from June 16 to 19 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
If he becomes president, Maile is expected to retain Lungisa in his current position after the former Eastern Cape leader agreed to dismantle his campaign.
After assessing his support LunÂgisa realised that he could not defeat Malema, a lobbyist for him told the Mail & Guardian.
“There was a discussion between Andile and Lebogang this week and Andile realised he can’t take on Malema at the moment. He realised it would be better to contest as a solid fighting bloc.”
ANCYL leaders and members spoke anonymously this week because they cannot make their leadership preferences known until the league’s provincial general councils have Âpronounced on the matter.
Three sources said that at the league lekgotla in Ekhurhuleni last week, Malema threatened ANCYL members whose “names are in the media” with expulsion.
Malema reportedly said that those who disregard internal processes and make their candidacy known in the media will be in breach of ANCYL rules.
“He said candidates named in the media should distance themselves from those statements. But he didn’t distance himself from the list of his top five in the Sunday Times — it’s double standards,” said a national executive member and league office-bearer.
ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu refused to comment because “internal issues will not be discussed in the media”. “Do me a favour and don’t call me about rumours,” he said.
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