Youth League belongs to ANC: Zuma
2012-05-11 16:26
Genevieve Quintal and Giordano Stolley
Newcastle - Any organisation formed by the African National Congress belonged to the party and it would have the final word on it, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.
He told the ANC's KwaZulu-Natal congress in Newcastle the party had formed various organisations over the years, including the ANC Women's League, Umkhonto we Sizwe, and the youth league.
"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 even the organisation's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe had remained subservient to the ANC during the armed struggle.
Focusing on discipline, he urged the party's KwaZulu-Natal members not to become arrogant because of the province's strength within the ruling party.
Set an example
"Being a leading ANC province comes with many challenges. Behave in a manner which is not factional... Behave in a manner devoid of any arrogance because of your strength."
Zuma said the province needed to set an example for the rest of the ANC.
"Other provinces will be looking at this province on issues affecting the ANC... the province must lead by example."
KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma's home province and biggest support base, is the ANC's strongest province with 252 668 members.
Zuma called on delegates to focus on the party's policies during the weekend congress, and how to put them into practice - not on the succession debate.
"I am looking forward to a conference that is going to discuss [policy] documents rather than discuss leadership."
Thunderous welcome
He said the ANC was capable of selecting great leaders when the time came, and the fact that the party had two - Albert Luthuli and Nelson Mandela - who had been awarded the Nobel Peace prize, proved this point.
Zuma received rousing applause at the end of his speech.
He arrived to a thunderous welcome. As Zuma walked towards the stage, accompanied by provincial chairperson Zweli Mkhize and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale, the crowd roared his name and stomped their feet.
"Zuma, Zuma, Zuma," reverberated around the Newcastle Show Hall. Delegates sang songs to voice their support for him.
Suspended police commissioner Bheki Cele arrived to a warm greeting on Friday. As he walked through the crowd delegates chanted "Ndosi", his clan name.
Transport minister and national executive committee member, Sbu Ndebele, and NEC member Bathabile Dlamini also attended.
- SAPA
