By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Youth League (ANCYL) President Collen Malatji says the league will not compromise on policies critical to advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“Policies that contradict the principles of the NDR, such as the proposal to reform NSFAS into a tiered bursary and loan system, will not happen under our watch.
The fight for democracy in South Africa was long and difficult, marked by immense sacrifices and struggles. We will not allow any regression or the implementation of policies that undermine the hard-won gains of our democracy.”
The NDR aims to build a South Africa that is free from discrimination. A South Africa that is democratic and prosperous. The path to achieving this vision is empowering the historically marginalised black majority in general, specifically Africans in particular. The principles outlined here differ starkly from those upheld by the apartheid regime.
The primary objective of the NDR is to transform South African society into one that no longer embodies the hallmarks of a specific type of colonialism. This transformation is characterised by the historical oppression of select races and genders, land expropriation, and a small group of white male oligarchs monopolising our mineral-industrial-complex economy.
The league was briefing the media on post-elections issues and their intentions with the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Malatji said the league applauded their mother body for its “strategic and inclusive approach” in the formation of the GNU.
He says the league will support President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitments made during his inauguration address at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
“While we are prepared to work with all parties including some like the Democratic Alliance (DA), our commitment to progressive policies remains unchanged.
“The ANC has invited people into the government of national unity. The president of the ANC still has the power to decide who he wants where,” he said.
“There is no discussion that is going to happen where other political parties who come into this government of national unity must make decisions for the president of the ANC.
“Those powers have not been given out. Those are the powers of the president of the ANC, who is now the president of the country.”
“The GNU must focus on issues that are critical to the youth such as youth unemployment, higher education, crime and drug abuse and ensure that inclusive economic growth and effective service delivery must be prioritised.”
Malatji has also welcomed the cohort of young parliamentarians, saying there’s significant representation from MPs under 40.
“Although we have not yet reached all our targets, these outcomes provide hope that our leadership will increasingly mirror the youthful and dynamic nature of our society,” he said.
Malatji added, “The ANCYL calls for the appointment of young people as ministers, and deputy ministers by president, MECs by Premiers”.
When asked by journalists about whether they had pushed for the inclusion of young people in Cabinet, Malatji said it was the President’s prerogative to choose — and this applied to a wider GNU too — not only for the league but for other parties who want representation in Cabinet.