Key Takeaways
- The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) elective conference was marked by numerous problems, including a lack of food, time delays, and difficulties accommodating delegates.
- Despite these challenges, the conference saw the election of new leaders, all of whom were uncontested.
- ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the ANCYL, saying it is ready to lead and take responsibility for the country’s future.
- The conference was criticized for its poor organization, with issues including accreditation problems, inadequate media facilities, and poor-quality food.
- The newly elected leadership of the ANCYL has been urged to become the "super voice" of young people in the country and to occupy the trenches of mobilizing young people around their issues.
Introduction to the ANCYL Elective Conference
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) recently held its elective conference in Polokwane, Limpopo, which was attended by over 3,000 delegates. The conference was marked by numerous problems, including a lack of food, time delays, and difficulties accommodating delegates. Despite these challenges, the conference saw the election of new leaders, all of whom were uncontested. This outcome has raised questions about the state of the ANCYL and its ability to lead and represent the interests of young people in South Africa.
Challenges Faced by Delegates and Media
The conference was marred by numerous problems, including a lack of food, time delays, and difficulties accommodating delegates. Some delegates resorted to sleeping in taxis and buses while trying to get registered at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, while others complained about the poor-quality food at the event, including receiving only brown bread for breakfast. The media also faced challenges, including inadequate facilities and accreditation problems. A media room had been prepared, but it was far from the plenary tent where delegates were meeting and lacked basic amenities such as tables, chairs, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms.
Response from ANCYL Leadership
Despite the numerous challenges faced by delegates and media, the newly elected leadership of the ANCYL carried on like there was nothing wrong. The president of the ANCYL, Collen Malatji, told reporters that the conference was orderly and that there was no chaos, unlike previous ANCYL conferences before his term in office. The newly elected leadership has plans to celebrate their elections at the homestead of ANC stalwart Peter Mokaba, who is also from Polokwane. This response has been criticized as being out of touch with the reality of the conference and the challenges faced by delegates and media.
ANC President Ramaphosa’s Remarks
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the ANCYL, saying it is ready to lead and take responsibility for the country’s future. He made these remarks at the opening of the conference, where he said: "The ANC Youth League has come of age, and it is ready to lead." He further said that the participation of the ANCYL at the party’s national general council shows that it is ready to take responsibility for the country’s future. These remarks have been seen as an endorsement of the ANCYL and its ability to lead and represent the interests of young people in South Africa.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The ANCYL elective conference has raised questions about the state of the organization and its ability to lead and represent the interests of young people in South Africa. Despite the numerous challenges faced by delegates and media, the newly elected leadership of the ANCYL has been urged to become the "super voice" of young people in the country and to occupy the trenches of mobilizing young people around their issues. The conference has also highlighted the need for improved organization and planning, as well as better communication and coordination between the ANCYL and its stakeholders. As the ANCYL looks to the future, it will be important for the organization to address these challenges and to demonstrate its ability to lead and represent the interests of young people in South Africa.
