/ 13 May 2013

Tutu should not stand for sensationalism, says ANCYL

Tutu Should Not Stand For Sensationalism, Says Ancyl

"The archbishop … should stand for truth and not sensationalism," it said on Monday.

The league was reacting to Tutu's comments about next year's elections that was carried in an opinion piece in the Mail & Guardian last week.

In the piece, titled Tutu: I will not be able to vote for the ANC, the archbishop said, "I'm not a card-carrying member of any political party. I have over the years voted for the ANC, but I would very sadly not be able to vote for them after the way things have gone.

"We really need a change. The ANC was very good at leading us in the struggle to be free from oppression. They were a good freedom-fighting unit. But it doesn't seem to me now that a freedom-fighting unit can ­easily make the transition to becoming a political party."

"[We have] noted with concern comments made by [him] with regards to his voting in next year's general elections, and specifically that he would not vote for the ANC," the league said.

The youth league noted that Tutu was a person of influence, saying his opinions should be exemplary.

'Speak truth anchored by reality'
"Young people, who constitute a large voting bloc in the country, expect the archbishop and other leaders to speak truth anchored by reality, and facts, and not anecdotal information based on creativity and imagination."

The youth league defended its mother body, saying the ANC was still well placed to lead the country.

"While there are challenges in South Africa, with corruption ranking high amongst them, the ANC remains the best placed organisation to take forward our socio-economic transformation project started in 1994."

The league urged Tutu to "restrain himself from unscientific and anecdotal commentary" that was "designed to confuse and discourage the youth". – Sapa