THE ANC Youth League in Musa Dladla Region has declared its preference for the next President.
‘ We want current African Union (AU) Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as the next President of the ANC and the country, even though the succession debate has not been officially opened,’ they said unanimously.
Addressing a media briefing at their Empangeni offices last week, ANC Youth League Regional Chairperson Phiwe Mhlongo said the League will work tirelessly to ensure that Dlamini-Zuma succeeds President Jacob Zuma.
‘This is not only our view as Musa Dladla, but one shared by the ANC countrywide. We have been monitoring her political rise, and we are content with her performance.
‘In each and every task given to her by the ANC, she has displayed a highest level commitment and has excelled in all her deployments.
‘What we particularly like about Mama Dlamini-Zuma is that she is an experienced politician in her own right, who possesses excellent leadership qualities.
‘We strongly feel that Mama Dlamini-Zuma is well placed to take the ANC and country forward,’ he said.
When asked if they have deviated from the ANC’s tradition that says the Deputy President succeeds the current President, Mhlongo said there was never such a tradition.
‘If there was such a tradition, then why was Zuma contested in the 2007 Polokwane Conference by the then President Thabo Mbeki? If there was such a tradition why was Zuma contested in the 2012 Mangaung Conference by former President Kgalema Mothlante?
Long overdue
When asked if South Africa was ready for a woman President, Mhlongo said the issue was long overdue.
‘As we speak, we are a region led by a woman in Nonhle Mkhulisi, who is the Regional Chairperson of the ANC and Mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality and so far she has been leading with distinction.
‘Even Mama Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka did exceptionally well as the Deputy President of the country since 2005.
‘We believe in woman power, but women have always been ready. When President Mbeki contested the ANC Presidency for a third term in Polokwane in 2007, she had Mama Dlamini-Zuma as her deputy.
‘That meant had Mbeki succeeded, Mama Dlamini-Zuma would have become President of the country in 2009.
‘So there is no confusion, and we are clear with our candidate preference,’ said the firebrand Mhlongo.
This was the Youth League’s first public engagement after its 5th Regional Congress held recently at the University of Zululand, Richards Bay campus.
Mhlongo reiterated their stance on the 40% representation in all government ministries.
‘When we talk about the set-asides, we are not pushing to be appointed as Youth Managers in municipalities. It must be clear also that we are not seeking employment in municipalities, but in all government department we need to see the 40% youth representation.
‘We are happy that our local City of uMhlathuze has led the way in this regard, but still this is not enough.
‘We are not elected for tenders, but to create a viable economic climate in Musa Dladla Region,’ he said.
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