THE 24TH ANC YOUTH LEAGUE NATIONAL CONGRESS AMENDED THE CONSTITUTION

The ANCYL finds recent media reports alleging that the national executive committee of the ANCYL or president Julius Malema unilaterally amended the constitution of the ANCYL both mischievous and regrettable (see City Press report).

The 24th national congress discussed in great length, constitutional amendments both in the commission dealing with the subject and at plenary.

During discussions there were delegates who suggested that the term of office of the NEC should be extended. That proposal was not accepted by congress.

However, clause number 11.2, dealing with "Articulation with ANC Code of Discipline" under Schedule A of the ANC Youth League constitution - as amended by the organisation's 24th National Congress of June 2011, is the clause at the centre of the recent media frenzy.

Reasons for this amendment, as advanced by delegates at the afore-mentioned congress, were that the ANC Youth League needed to preserve and deepen its autonomy. This clause provides this opportunity without contradiction.

We are therefore disappointed that some individuals would deliberately choose to develop some convenient amnesia isolating one clause on constitutional amendments. It may be that those who are honestly unaware of this resolution are part of a small group of individuals who go to congresses exclusively for voting purposes.

Those who choose to peddle sponsored versions of congress resolutions will have to wait for the 25th national congress to amend the constitution.

Statement issued by ANCYL Limpopo Provincial Secretary, Cde Jacob Lebogo, November 21 2011

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