STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE ON THE MARCH OF THE ANC YOUTH LEAGUE

The National Working Committee of the ANC, last night engaged the ANC Youth League to raise concerns about the forthcoming ‘march for economic freedom' and the possible political and economic ramifications.  The meeting follows Monday's briefing by the Youth League to the National Officials of the ANC.  The aim of the meeting was to get clarity from the Youth League of the objectives and preparations for the march, and as well as to address and dispel some of the public perceptions of the march as being hostile to and against the government of the ANC.

The discussions were conducted in a constructive, frank and cordial atmosphere.  The Working Committee is satisfied that the objectives of the march are legitimate and arise from the resolutions of the Youth League Congress held in June this year.

The ANC supports the right of all South Africans including the Youth League to peaceful campaigns for legitimate goals.  The NWC urged the Youth League to ensure an orderly procession and received assurances from the Youth League that they will control the marchers and deal firmly with any agent provocateurs who would attempt to derail the march.

After an elaborate engagement the parties agreed on the following:

• That the march was neither against the ANC Government nor linked to the 2012 elective National Conference of the ANC.
• That the socio-economic issues raised by the ANCYL are genuine concerns facing society and are on the agenda of the ANC and government. March on the private capital nudging them to be part of finding solutions to the problems facing the country was justifiable.
• It was agreed with the Youth League that the plan of holding a vigil at the Union Building was not an option as this is a strategic national key point.  The Youth League has therefore in discussion with the police identified an alternative  venue for the vigil.  

The leadership of the ANCYL took full responsibility for the march and whatever consequences that may arise there from. The agreement on the alternative route rather than the highway and not having the night vigil in the Union Building is reassuring.

There was agreement that the ANCYL should do everything in their power to avoid anything that will embarrass the movement. The leadership of the ANC will monitor the march closely.

The ANC and its Youth League will meet within the next month to afford the Youth League an opportunity to brief the leadership of the ANC on the outcome of its congress.  The meeting will also discuss a wide range of issues including future youth targeting campaigns that the ANC may support. As the ANC we want to emphasise that the ANC's commitment to the poor is undoubted, all our policies and actions are to eradicate poverty, joblessness, homelessness and ensure a better life for all

Statement issued by Gwede Mantashe, ANC Secretary General, October 26 2011

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