ANC statement on the establishment of the ANCYL National Youth Task Team
11 April 2021
The ANC to National Executive Committee's regular meeting held on the 26-29 March 2021 resolved to appoint the ANCYL National Youth Task Team as a congress preparatory committee.
In the January 8 statement marking the 109th Anniversary of the ANC, President Cyril Ramaphosa restated the need to strengthen the leagues: "We must ensure that the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) holds its conference early this year. This will help to bring an end to the shameful era of division and inactivity. We need to engage the young people of our country more actively and directly, and ensure that they are able to participate in the programmes of the organisation."
The ANCYL NYTT will primarily serve as a National Congress Preparatory Committee charged with the responsibility to prepare the ANCYL for conference. Its key tasks are to strengthen and consolidate existing structures of the youth league and to build new ones in consultation with regions and provinces. It is also charged with the responsibility to develop and roll out a programme of action, bringing together young people from different facets as a build-up to the envisaged elective conference.
The ANC is determined to rebuild the ANCYL and restore its vibrancy so that it can continue to fulfill its historic mission. In the 1940s, the ANC was revitalized and became more militant in its actions and articulations. A key reason for this was the influence of the ANC Youth League whose leadership included giants such as Anton Lembede, its first president, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.
Since the formation of the ANCYL in 1944, young people have been at the centre of every decisive moment in our history. This proud tradition of constructive militancy and vigilance was carded over from generation to generation. Young people have, indeed, earned their place in history through blood, tears, sweat and innovative ideas.
When the ANCYL was a relaunch in 1991, its aims were redefined as the twin tasks of mobilizing the youth behind the ANC vision and championing the interests of young people in society. The League has been and must remain an influential mass component and body of opinion within the broader ANC and serve as a preparatory school for ANC activists and leaders.
Today, as we seek to consolidate the gains of our liberation struggle, the ANC continues to look up to its youth to once again play a leading role in the national effort to confront the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The current generations of young men and women must continue to occupy the front trenches in the reconstruction and development of our country and remain a force for progressive change and radical socio-economic transformation.
The following young people have been appointed to the ANCYL NYTT:
Nonceba Mhlaule, Joy Maimela, Precious Banda, Sizophila Mkhize, Tlangi Mogale, Gumani Mukwevho, Khulekani Skosana, Palomina Jama, Fashiya Hassan, Imsaaf Isaacs, Anele Matuntuta, Lesego Makhubele, Karabo Mohale, Collen Malatji, Pinky Mbele, Itumeleng Ntsube, Nomasonto Motaung, Thuthu Zuma, Mlondolozi Mkhize, Mfanafuthi Ngwambe, Sonto Mguni-Malapeng, Eugene Manana, Sandisene Sithole, Venus Blennies, Boitumelo Setlogelo, Sebang Motlhabi, Stella Mondlane, Seatlathebe Lepomane, Xolani Mgxoteni, Tsileng Sobuthongo, Mntuwoxolo Ngudle, Renae Sengani, Kenny Motshengoa, Oliver Mabunda
The ANC National Officials have already met with the leadership of the NYTT and expressed overall support in their work of rebuilding and restoring the ANCYL.
The ANC wishes newly appointed members of the NYTT the best as they begin to discharge the twin-task of the ANCYL being the mobilisation of young people behind the banner of the ANC as well as championing their interest.
Issued by Pule Mabe, National Spokesperson, ANC, 11 April 2021
