What Motlanthe told the Eastern Cape

Deputy President paid tribute to Oliver Tambo and addressed the 68th anniversary of the African National Congress Youth League at Bizana

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said the ANC must be led by people who have confidence in the party, the SABC reported on Saturday.

He was speaking at the 68th anniversary of the African National Congress Youth League at Bizana in the Eastern Cape.

Motlanthe told crowds that leaders of the ANC were elected in an acting capacity and accordingly people do not come to the ANC for positions.

The Youth League’s anniversary coincided with celebrations of the end of the Oliver Tambo month, during which tribute was paid to his legacy.

The deputy president first visited the homestead where Tambo’s only surviving sister, Gertrude still lives. His daughter, Tselane, accompanied them.

The SABC reported that Motlanthe laid a wreath on Tambo’s grave in the Garden of Remembrance and visited a multi-million rand legacy project in his honour.

Among those with the deputy president were Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale and ANC treasurer Mathews Phosa.

At the rally at a local stadium marking the 68th anniversary of the League, Sexwale and Youth League members talked about the need for change in ANC leadership at Mangaung.

ANC Youth League Deputy President Ronald Lamola called for change, saying that Polokwane had shown that no leadership position was guaranteed after the expiry of its five year term, according to the SABC.

 Motlanthe also paid tribute to past ANC presidents, saying many of them started out as members of the ANC Youth League and emphasising the importance of branches.