African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema had to call his supporters to order at the league’s conference in Midrand on Thursday.
“Can we respond in an ANC manner, not becoming factional,” he said after delegates shouted “Juju, Juju” while he greeted them, instead of the customary salutation of “viva”.
“No one is going to disrupt this conference in my name,” said Malema.
A picture of unity would be a “glorious gift” to the ANC when it turned 100 in 2012, he said.
Earlier, Malema’s challenger, Lebogang Maile, was booed by delegates while welcoming delegates in his capacity as the youth league’s Gauteng chairperson.
Malema said ANC president Jacob Zuma had the support of the league.
“These are the people who delivered you in Polokwane, these are the people who delivered you to the Union Buildings,” he said of Zuma.
“They are your protectors,” he said.
The league was a vociferous supporter of Zuma against former president Thabo Mbeki at the ruling party’s conference in Polokwane to elect a new president in 2007.
Contested posts
Malema was endorsed as leader by all nine provinces in contrast to Maile, who failed to convince any province to endorse his candidacy. Maile’s only chance to qualify to contest Malema’s position would be if he was nominated from the floor. This would require the backing of 30% of the delegates.
Another contested post is likely to be that of general secretary.
KwaZulu-Natal deputy chairperson Sindiso Magaqa and Eastern Cape chairperson Ayanda Matiti, are vying to replace outgoing incumbent Vuyiswa Tulelo.
Magaqa is supported by eight of the nine provinces, but Matiti’s camp is adamant its preferred candidate will win. – Sapa
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