PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday stepped up the fight against ANC Youth League president Julius Malema when he addressed the national political commission of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa in Johannesburg.
Though he did not mention Malema by name, Zuma appeared to be responding to the ANCYL leader's recent public statements.
Addressing the Numsa political commission, Zuma said (former president Nelson) Mandela and (Walter) Sisulu had "humbled" themselves before the ANC.
Mandela and Sisulu were instrumental in advocating for the armed struggle against the apartheid regime - a stance that pitted them against their seniors at the time.
Zuma said when the ANC sought clarity about their plans, "they did not go to Soweto to publicly say these leaders of the ANC do not want the armed struggle".
"The ANC was clear that the energy of the youth was needed, and that the ANC Youth League must organise the youth for the ANC and use its energy to influence the ANC, not the other way round," he said.
"The ANC took the decision to form the ANC Youth League.
"It is the ANC Youth League and not the Youth League of the ANC.
"It is not a spare wheel of the ANC," he said, in apparent response to claims that the league is autonomous.
Zuma's remarks were a clear response to remarks Malema made in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, at the weekend.
Malema allegedly vowed to continue with the legacy of Mandela and Sisulu, saying in part: "... Nelson Mandela and his generation were regarded as disrespectful.
"They were impatient and wanted change now ... Mandela was never a coward, and we can't be cowards even in the eyes of death. We must soldier on.
"These are the people who inspire us. Any form of intimidation will not scare us," Malema said.
But Zuma yesterday told Numsa delegates that there were limits to what the ANC Youth League could do and say.
"It (ANCYL) must not say 'we are right and you (ANC) are wrong'. If you (ANCYL) think you are right, there are acceptable limits within which you can advance your views.
"I am happy that our young people are vocal.
"If they were not vocal they would not be youth.
"But that must be done within the confines of political discipline," Zuma said.
President gives ANCYL leader a history lesson
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday stepped up the fight against ANC Youth League president Julius Malema when he addressed the national political commission of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa in Johannesburg.
Though he did not mention Malema by name, Zuma appeared to be responding to the ANCYL leader's recent public statements.
Addressing the Numsa political commission, Zuma said (former president Nelson) Mandela and (Walter) Sisulu had "humbled" themselves before the ANC.
Mandela and Sisulu were instrumental in advocating for the armed struggle against the apartheid regime - a stance that pitted them against their seniors at the time.
Zuma said when the ANC sought clarity about their plans, "they did not go to Soweto to publicly say these leaders of the ANC do not want the armed struggle".
"The ANC was clear that the energy of the youth was needed, and that the ANC Youth League must organise the youth for the ANC and use its energy to influence the ANC, not the other way round," he said.
"The ANC took the decision to form the ANC Youth League.
"It is the ANC Youth League and not the Youth League of the ANC.
"It is not a spare wheel of the ANC," he said, in apparent response to claims that the league is autonomous.
Zuma's remarks were a clear response to remarks Malema made in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, at the weekend.
Malema allegedly vowed to continue with the legacy of Mandela and Sisulu, saying in part: "... Nelson Mandela and his generation were regarded as disrespectful.
"They were impatient and wanted change now ... Mandela was never a coward, and we can't be cowards even in the eyes of death. We must soldier on.
"These are the people who inspire us. Any form of intimidation will not scare us," Malema said.
But Zuma yesterday told Numsa delegates that there were limits to what the ANC Youth League could do and say.
"It (ANCYL) must not say 'we are right and you (ANC) are wrong'. If you (ANCYL) think you are right, there are acceptable limits within which you can advance your views.
"I am happy that our young people are vocal.
"If they were not vocal they would not be youth.
"But that must be done within the confines of political discipline," Zuma said.
ANCYL SUPPORTERS BOOED PRESIDENT ZUMA
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