DA chairperson rubbishes ANCYL claim
2011-07-28 18:53
Johannesburg - Democratic Alliance federal chairperson Wilmot James gave up his directorship at Media24 when he joined politics, he said on Thursday.
James was responding to allegations by the ANC Youth League that Media24 was biased toward the DA because he was a director there.
"For the record, I am no longer a director at Media24. I gave up the position in 2008 when I decided to enter the political arena with the DA," he said in a statement.
"I also resigned from the boards of Sanlam and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra at the time, so as to avoid any conflicts of interest that would arise by serving as both a company director and a political officeholder.
"This decision formally ended my relationship with those companies."
He said league spokesperson Floyd Shivambu's accusation that all Media24 papers were "right-wing" appeared "baseless" to him.
"We are fortunate in South Africa to have a free press that rigorously oversees and reports on the activities of political parties, such as the ANC and DA, and any other politically aligned organisations.
"Our press plays a crucial role in maintaining a transparent, democratic society."
James acknowledged the ANCYL's important contribution to the political history of the country and its legacy which produced leaders such as former president Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu.
"It also remains a legitimate voice in our political discourse today," he said.
"While the DA may disagree with many of the proposals that the ANCYL puts forward, just as we do with its parent organisation, the ANC, we hope that the Youth League will continue to build on this legacy," he said.
The league could do this by renewing its commitment to promoting democratic accountability, transparency and free speech.
- SAPA
