Choose to kill for Zuma
2008-06-29 19:05
Johannesburg - African National Congress president Jacob Zuma said he was happy with the behaviour of delegates at the Youth League's 23rd conference in Nasrec on Sunday.
"When the conference was adjourned in April it had been marred by incidents of intolerance, ill discipline and misbehaviour of delegates.
"You embarrassed the movement in front of the whole world," said Zuma when he was addressing delegates.
He said it was shocking to see how far delegates were prepared to go to show their dissatisfaction.
"It's not proper to undress in front of the conference, when the results are announced, no matter how you feel about the outcome.
"Bad behaviour must stop."
Choose to kill for Zuma
Zuma received a warm welcome from the delegates when he arrived. They erupted into a song, Choose to kill for Zuma.
ANCYL president Julius Malema said the words used in the song were not meant literally.
"These are the words we use to express our love and dedication to the ANC movement," Malema said.
Zuma said delegates had had enough time to think about what had happened in April in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, as it was showing in their well-behaved manner this time around.
"I believe we all learnt important lessons from what happened in Bloemfontein. It is now time to tackle serious challenges facing our country."
'Crime poses serious threat'
Zuma said crime was a critical challenge facing the country and that it posed a serious threat to "our democracy".
Delegations went into closed sessions where they were to vote for the members of the national executive council of the ANCYL.
According to Malema, the league also would discuss in closed sessions the situation in Zimbabwe since the presidential run-off on Friday.
"We will announce our decision on the Zimbabwe situation, and whatever the decision is it will not impose solutions on Zimbabweans."
The league also will be launching the women's assembly logo. The assembly will focus on South African young women in general.
Former ANCYL presidents Malusi Gigaba and Fikile Mbalula also attended the last day of the conference.
- SAPA