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FIGHTING: Former ANCYL president Julius Malema

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GAUTENG allies of expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema have turned the tables on the provincial executive which has made no secret of its desire to erase him from the organisation's consciousness.

Not content with gaining the upper hand over their adversaries, branches of the powerful Greater Johannesburg region now want to do away with the provincial executive committee (PEC).

Several sources told Sowetan that during Sunday's special regional general council, branches tore into the PEC.

Regional secretary Percy Ntsobi said: "The branches raised concerns that the PEC is factional".

It is understood that a firm recommendation was made to disband the PEC after branches took exception to the executive's "continued undermining of national executive committee positions".

This call was said to have been "unanimous".

Sunday's meeting was convened to allow the national executive committee (NEC) to officially inform regional branches of its decision to reinstate the regional executive.

The recommendation, however, may be seen as the regional executive committee (REC) avenging its disbandment while also seeking to sideline provincial leaders deemed to be anti-Malema.

Last week provincial deputy chairman Simon Molefe and acting secretary Nkhensani Kubayi addressed a media conference in which they announced the province's decision to distance itself from the Friends of the Youth League.

The FYL has allegedly been used by Malema to remain politically relevant.

Certain regional leaders - including Ntsobi - have been linked to the grouping but have denied involvement.

Relations between the PEC and the region have been icy since the province resolved in March to dissolve the regional structure.

This decision dealt Malema's comeback a major blow because the region - the biggest and most influential in Gauteng with areas such as Soweto, Roodepoort, Lenasia, Midrand, Orange Farm, Sandton and Alexandra under its jurisdiction - could influence the upcoming provincial league congress in his favour.

This plan has now been brought to life by the NEC's decision to reinstate the REC.

With Greater Johannesburg's support, Malema's prospects of consolidating his base in the youth league ahead of the biggest political fight of his life in Mangaung, has been given a boost.

Currently, Malema enjoys support in Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, parts of Eastern Cape and Western Cape - even though divisions are still evident countrywide.

ANCYL spokesperson Khusela Sangoni-Khawe confirmed the decision.

She said it had been taken following the province's failure to meet with the NEC, which was mandated to look into the matter on several occasions.

"We looked at their reasons (for insisting that Greater Johannesburg remain disbanded), but found no basis for them. Anyway, we were simply implementing a decision taken in May," she said.

Sangoni-Khawe played down suggestions that provincial leaders could be disciplined for their defiance.

Two REC members told Sowetan that branches dealt "harshly" with the PEC.

"Branches made it clear that they no longer wanted the PEC," said one member.

The Johannesburg region's reinstatement was dismissed yesterday by provincial acting secretary Nkhensani Kubayi and a youth league task team member.

Kubayi said Sunday's meeting was "illegitimate" and its decisions would not be entertained.

However, Sangoni-Khawe said the NEC's decision was final and that the matter was deemed "closed". - molatlhwao@sowetan.co.za

Comments

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Sun May 19 04:24:15 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 31, 2012

candilious

Ja Malema and your subjects still cannot see your agenda blind followers i just hope you have protection Juju coz when these people take of their blind folds your going to be cold meat broe
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Jul 31, 2012

REASONING

why is de media giving idiots publicity mara? chill ka malema man unless he does something constructive like creating jobs or giving his time to charity.
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Jul 31, 2012

RobinH

Ai, this country has more fools than most nations could carry.
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Jul 31, 2012

januswanus

Hehehe really you aware he is in London to talk to investors. To come invest in South Africa phela he wants to bring all their money here and then nationalise. I start to doubt the intellect of the members of the youth leaque.
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Jul 31, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

SOWETAN your story is all over the place and your reporter is kak confused North West does not support this boy. This boy has support in Limpopo because he is from there but not all support him there is a group that is against this boy. The boys stay in politics is short lived let him enjoy the lime light now, after all this is politics he is up against the Commander in Chief. ZUUUUUUUMAAAAAA!!!!!!
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Jul 31, 2012

Pfanani

We said it before that Simon and Khensani don't represents views of our branches. They where saving a certain faction which we will never accept as ANCYL branches. We will stick by ANCYL resolutions....without favors or fear.
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Jul 31, 2012

DJWinner

Now, this is what we call a dictatorship. So, who is a bigger dictator between you and Zuma?
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Jul 31, 2012

Pfanani

Morena wa Polelo, you are welcome to support Zuuuuuuumaaaaa!!!!!! SA is a democratic country but never force others to support your candidate.

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Jul 31, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

Pfanani
Morena wa Polelo, you are welcome to support Zuuuuuuumaaaaa!!!!!! SA is a democratic country but never force others to support your candidate.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Where excactly did I force any one to support Zuma and where did I mention that I support ZUUUUMAAAAAA??? Please ansa me Sir
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Jul 31, 2012

KoketsoLennox19

The sooner people wakeup from their Malema coming back nightmare ,the better,Life must go on with or without Malema!
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