Despite optimistic pronouncements from ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African National Congress Youth League’s (ANCYL) recent elective conference in Polokwane, Limpopo, was plagued by logistical failures and allegations of mismanagement. Ramaphosa, speaking at the University of Limpopo on Monday, stated, “The ANC Youth League has come of age, and it is ready to lead,” and highlighted the ANCYL’s participation in the party’s national general council as evidence of its readiness to take responsibility for the “country’s future.”
Logistical Challenges and Delegate Concerns
The conference, attended by over 3,000 delegates, faced significant challenges. Delegates reported a lack of food, with some receiving only brown bread for breakfast, and experienced difficulties with accommodation. Some were forced to sleep in taxis and buses while awaiting registration at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The media also faced obstacles, including a media room located approximately 2km from the plenary tent, lacking basic amenities like tables, chairs, Wi-Fi, and bathroom facilities.
Accreditation proved problematic for both delegates and reporters, with some remaining unaccredited even after the conference concluded. The conference schedule was also subject to frequent, last-minute changes, causing confusion for media covering the event.
Uncontested Elections and Leadership Response
Despite the reported disorganization, the newly elected leadership of the ANCYL, including President Collen Malatji, carried on with plans to celebrate at the homestead of ANC stalwart Peter Mokaba. Malatji had previously told reporters the conference was orderly, contrasting it with previous ANCYL conferences. Some delegates reportedly departed early after realizing the leadership positions were uncontested.
Reports also indicated some delegates were drinking alcohol in the parking lot amidst the ongoing chaos. The ANC’s communications team did not respond to requests for comment regarding the organizational issues.
Mbalula’s Address and Future Outlook
On Wednesday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressed the conference, praising the ANCYL’s maturity in holding the congress without intervention from the mother body. He stated the ANCYL is now a “fully fledged organ of the African National Congress” and urged delegates to “occupy the trenches of mobilising young people around their issues.” Mbalula also encouraged those not elected to the ANCYL’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to “come home and lead the African National Congress.”
It is possible that the ANCYL will now focus on mobilizing young people, as directed by Mbalula. However, the extent to which they can achieve this goal remains to be seen, given the challenges experienced during the conference and the potential for internal divisions. Analysts expect the ANCYL’s performance will be closely watched, particularly in the lead-up to future elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cyril Ramaphosa say about the ANCYL?
Ramaphosa stated that “The ANC Youth League has come of age, and it is ready to lead,” and that the ANCYL’s participation in the party’s national general council shows it is ready to take responsibility for the “country’s future.”
What problems were reported at the ANCYL conference?
The conference was marred by a lack of food, time delays, difficulties accommodating delegates, problems with accreditation, and a poorly equipped media facility. Some delegates slept in taxis and buses, and others complained about the quality of food.
What did Fikile Mbalula say to the ANCYL delegates?
Mbalula told the delegates that the ANCYL had matured and grown, and thanked them for “leading from the front.” He urged them to mobilize young people around their issues and invited those not elected to the NEC to return to the ANC and lead.
Given the reported issues with organization and the uncontested elections, what does this conference signal about the future direction and effectiveness of the ANCYL?
