Zenoyise Madikwa
Zenoyise Madikwa
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) celebrated its 63rd anniversary in style at Zambezi Lounge in Johannesburg on Monday night.
Even there, the spirit of Umsholozi and his machine gun prevailed, albeit in his absence.
Cocktails and expensive wines that sent some of the party members into stupefaction flowed freely.
The jamboree boasted more than 500 people, including a mix of celebs, ANCYL elite, friends and girlfriends, the media and young entrepreneurs.
Outside the venue, many luxury cars lined up under the moonlight as if in contest. Among the people who made an appearance were the league's president Fikile Mbalula, Luthando Jack, Moyikwa Sisulu and Durban businessman Mabheleni Ntuli.
Fun was the order of the night until a power failure spoilt the party. The mood was, however, not subdued by the sudden darkness. They continued drinking and turned the party into a Jacob Zuma worship rite as they broke into Mshini Wami and other songs praising Zuma.
Some people even blamed Zuma's "enemies" for the power failure. "This is sabotage. It is the work of enemies of our future president. They think by switching electricity off they will switch our spirits off," said one patron.
But Zizi Kodwa, the league's spokesman, downplayed these speculations.
"This was a simple electrical fault that has nothing to do with sabotage. Nobody can sabotage the ANC Youth League. The party is a success. Young people came in numbers to have fun and fun we gave them."
Asked why they spent hundreds of rands in a party instead of donating the money to the poor, he said poverty should not stop people from celebrating.
"This (referring to the party) is what defines the youth of today.
On why they sang songs praising Zuma, Kodwa said: "It has always been the culture of the organisation (ANC) to celebrate with songs. Even during apartheid days, we celebrated with songs."
Kodwa added that the money spent on the celebrations came from the ANC Youth League's coffers.
He also said a number of generous people made donations so the party could become a success.
Revelry as youth league turns 63
Zenoyise Madikwa
Zenoyise Madikwa
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) celebrated its 63rd anniversary in style at Zambezi Lounge in Johannesburg on Monday night.
Even there, the spirit of Umsholozi and his machine gun prevailed, albeit in his absence.
Cocktails and expensive wines that sent some of the party members into stupefaction flowed freely.
The jamboree boasted more than 500 people, including a mix of celebs, ANCYL elite, friends and girlfriends, the media and young entrepreneurs.
Outside the venue, many luxury cars lined up under the moonlight as if in contest. Among the people who made an appearance were the league's president Fikile Mbalula, Luthando Jack, Moyikwa Sisulu and Durban businessman Mabheleni Ntuli.
Fun was the order of the night until a power failure spoilt the party. The mood was, however, not subdued by the sudden darkness. They continued drinking and turned the party into a Jacob Zuma worship rite as they broke into Mshini Wami and other songs praising Zuma.
Some people even blamed Zuma's "enemies" for the power failure. "This is sabotage. It is the work of enemies of our future president. They think by switching electricity off they will switch our spirits off," said one patron.
But Zizi Kodwa, the league's spokesman, downplayed these speculations.
"This was a simple electrical fault that has nothing to do with sabotage. Nobody can sabotage the ANC Youth League. The party is a success. Young people came in numbers to have fun and fun we gave them."
Asked why they spent hundreds of rands in a party instead of donating the money to the poor, he said poverty should not stop people from celebrating.
"This (referring to the party) is what defines the youth of today.
On why they sang songs praising Zuma, Kodwa said: "It has always been the culture of the organisation (ANC) to celebrate with songs. Even during apartheid days, we celebrated with songs."
Kodwa added that the money spent on the celebrations came from the ANC Youth League's coffers.
He also said a number of generous people made donations so the party could become a success.