Row brews over positions of ANCYL leaders

17 March 2010 - 02:00
By Frank Maponya

AS the race for the leadership posts of the ANC Youth League in Limpopo speeds up ahead of the provincial conference next month, the nomination of possible candidates tends to change in the wink of an eye.

AS the race for the leadership posts of the ANC Youth League in Limpopo speeds up ahead of the provincial conference next month, the nomination of possible candidates tends to change in the wink of an eye.

This follows the withdrawal of Frans Moswane from contesting the position of chairperson.

Moswane's name was abruptly withdrawn when it was allegedly found that he did not command the support of his own region of Sekhukhune.

He has been replaced by Thulani Twala, the league's Mopani secretary, who will contest the position of provincial chairperson against Lehlogonolo Masoga, the current league chairperson.

While Twala seems to enjoy the support of many branches the question is being asked whether Mopani wants to dominate the entire province by being in leadership positions of the ANC in all its structures.

ANC chairperson and Premier Cassel Mathale also comes from the Mopani region.

The ANC Women's League, which is scheduled to elect its new leadership at its provincial conference next week, has nominated Maite Marutha as chairperson - and she also comes from the Mopani region.

MKMVA chairperson Semomo Maake also comes from Mopani.

This has caused discontent among league members, who feel that Twala's nomination would give Mopani more influence.

Masoga is understandably supported by the majority of branches in all five regions of the province and is expected to retain his post.

The Mopani region is made up of Maruleng, BaPhalaborwa, Greater Tzaneen, Greater Giyani and Greater Letaba.