The ANCYL executive committee in KwaZulu-Natal has been stripped of its power, provincial chairman Mthandeni Dlungwane said today
“Yes, it is true that our powers have been withdrawn. I received a letter from the national office today [Wednesday].”
Dlungwane said the letter from the African National Congress Youth League did not explain the reasons for the move.
“We will fight this decision because it was not taken by an appropriate structure. The national working committee does not have powers to do that.”
Talk of the disbanding of the provincial executive committee emerged last week, but was denied by the ANCYL’s national office.
Dlungwane and most provincial executive committee members believed the decision to disband was taken after they refused to support ANCYL president Julius Malema during his recent appearance before a disciplinary hearing.
They also claimed that the league’s leadership did not want them because they wanted President Jacob Zuma to be re-elected for a second term next year.
ANCYL general secretary Sindiso Magaqa said the decision to remove powers from its KwaZulu-Natal branch had been taken because of “serious divisions with the provincial executive”.
“The divisions hamper the work of the organisation. Everything will now be done here at the head office.”
Earlier on Wednesday, ANCYL provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo urged ANCYL members not to revolt should the provincial leadership be disbanded.
“If the national leadership decides to disband the provincial executive committee, we must all accept that. It won’t be something new.”
Mtolo said the provincial executive committee had “defined itself outside the ANC” by rebelling against its national leaders.
“They have insulted our national leaders and that can’t be tolerated.”