Parties condemn ANCYL leader over 'civil war' threats

8 February 2016 

Cape Town – Political parties have condemned the African National Congress Youth League leader’s threats of a civil war.

Addressing a rally in Soshanguve over the weekend, which was televised, ANCYL president Collen Maine warned against disruptions during President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).

He said those who were going to disrupt should prepare themselves for a "civil war".

The Economic Freedom Fighters have promised to demand answers about the sacking of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene during Sona.

DA youth leader Yusuf Cassim said they would consider laying criminal charges against Maine if he was found to have broken the law by making those remarks.

He said they would be referring the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission.

"Assuming that defending President Zuma is equal to defending the nation is preposterous and reinforces the President’s remarks that the ANC comes first and the country comes second.

"That the ANCYL is prepared to shed blood in this regard typifies an ANC in sharp decline and desperate to hold onto power amid its deterioration ahead of the Local Government Elections," Cassim said.

He called for the ruling party to publicly condemn Maine for his statements.

Congress of the People spokesperson Dennis Bloem also condemned Maine’s "inflammatory remarks".

He said they were seriously alarmed at the war talk from the youth leader.

"Such bellicose war talk from a political leader is inflammatory and extremely dangerous," Bloem said.

Zuma will deliver his State of the Nation Address on Thursday February 11.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.