POLITICS

Our leaders denied rights granted to hardened criminals - ANCYL

League expresses outrage that those convicted were unable to enter pleas in mitigation

ANCYL RESPONSE TO THE OUTCOMES OF THE NATIONAL DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OF THE ANC

The ANCYL notes the rulings issued by the National Disciplinary Committee of the ANC today. The ANCYL will therefore convene an urgent National Executive Committee meeting this weekend to consider the implications of the rulings and map out the way forward.

As disciplined members of the ANC we are duty bound to respect internal organisational processes and our NEC will guide on how to handle the matter from henceforth. The ANCYL has already formally registered its outrage at the fact that the NDC has meted out sanctions without affording the charged members their fundamental right to present mitigating circumstances.

This is one of the most basic and primary right which is afforded to any person who is charged in any forum. Even the most hardened of criminals enjoy this basic right. While the ANCYL NEC is still to consider the rulings, this procedural lapse alone is a good ground of appeal.

The ANCYL has never had any illusion that its radical call for "Economic Freedom In Our Lifetime" will be smooth and without hurdles.

We continue to support our leadership. The ANCYL leadership and entire membership remain unshaken and resolute in its call for the eventual transfer of wealth from minority hands to the majority of our people.

Statement issued by the Office of ANCYL Secretary General: Cde Sindiso Maqaxa, November 10 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter