POLOKWANE – On Monday, ANCYL Provincial Secretary, Che Selane, said the ANC owes young people in this country this much. He added South Africa has the potential to grow the economy and fight the scourge of unemployment in order to participate fully in the mainstream economy.
This call to have young people in leadership positions could remain a pipedream for some as certain candidates are entangled in controversial behaviour which impair their credibility to become future leaders.
“We cannot win the battle against joblessness and poverty, however, as only old people are in leadership positions. What can we expect from them since they have reached their carrying capacity and can no longer discharge their full potential?” Selane asked.
“If we truly want to take this country forward, we need to advise our older leaders to relinquish power to the young and energetic intellects who grew in the ranks of the youth league to lead the movement. This is why we appeal that ANC branches nominate young people in the upcoming provincial elective conferences.”
Selane’s call for young blood comes just a week after League President, Collen Maine, accused ANC provincial leaders in all provinces of recycling themselves for key positions in every party elective conference.
In Limpopo, one of the potential younger leaders, Lehlogonolo Masoga, a former ANCYL Provincial Chairperson, may become the latest statistic of young people who miss chances of leading the movement due to questionable behaviour. The ANC in Limpopo is set to hold its provincial elective conference from 22 to 24 June.
Masoga, Deputy Speaker at the Limpopo legislature, had the overwhelming support of young people in the province’s five regions of Peter Mokaba, Mopani, Vhembe, Sekhukhune and Waterberg as the party’s new provincial secretary.
These aspirations were hobbled, however, after the Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, ruled he pays back the exorbitant R125 000 telephone bill while on a month-long official trip to the US in 2014. The case was first reported to the Public Protector by the EFF in 2015 after legislature ‘acted at a snail’s pace’ to hold Masoga accountable. Mkhwebane said the department should act against Masoga within 60 days from the release of her report.
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On Tuesday, the EFF was first to have Masoga taste its bile in light of Mkhwebane’s recommendation.
“Masoga cannot be a role model to our children. He must not only pay back a portion of the money, but the whole amount,” said EFF Provincial Secretary, Jossey Buthane.
The DA was equally perturbed about how Masoga raked up the bill through private use. DA Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle, said Masoga must be charged for gross unethical behaviour and ensure the money is paid swiftly. Smalle said the DA was going to write to the Speaker of the legislature, Polly Boshielo, to ensure the Public Protector’s decision on Masoga is implemented without delay or favour.
