Mkhize blasts 'Malema' song
2012-05-13 22:39
Newcastle - Ill-disciplined ANC members do not deserve to have their names uttered, even when songs lambasting them were sung, KwaZulu-Natal ANC party chair Zweli Mkhize said on Sunday.
In what appeared to be a reference to expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, Mkhize said: "We must not allow the need for public censure of individuals whose misconduct we disapprove of to be elevated to ANC songs."
"Some of the people are so ill-disciplined that they do not deserve having their names uttered by ANC mouths."
His comments drew much applause and laughter from delegates.
Mkhize said he noted the creativity of songs that were sung by delegates at the three-day conference held in Newcastle.
On the opening day, before President Jacob Zuma delivered the keynote address, delegates sang songs criticising Malema. The lyrics to one of the songs sung was: "We were almost tricked into removing Zuma because we were being fooled by Malema."
Mkhize said the songs should unite members of the ANC and should reflect the struggle credentials of the party.
It was not the first apparent reference to Malema at the conference.
ANCYL
On Friday, Zuma made it very clear that any organisation formed by the African National Congress belonged to the party, which would have the final word on it.
"There are many other youth leagues... but this one belongs to the ANC. The fact stands: This is the ANC's youth league and the ANC has the final word," Zuma said.
Zuma said even the organisation's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe had remained subservient to the ANC during the armed struggle.
After Zuma's opening address on Friday, Mkhize presented his political report to delegates.
Mkhize said disrespect of ANC leadership, party structures and policy decisions was leading to dysfunctional structures.
"Even though they may not be features of the ANC in our province, they remain symptoms of an organisation beginning to self-destruct and will also have a significant impact in the future of our movement," he said, presenting his political report.
"There are members who have deliberately flouted rules of the organisation, persistently disregarding any guidance, which itself is rejected with derogatory remarks about elected leaders."
He said this resulted in the erosion of the credibility of the leadership and the ability to maintain internal discipline.
- SAPA
