On Wednesday the ANC volunteers apprehended a young girl, Unathi Mholeni, at Gxididi location, Libode. The girl, a Std 8 Student was found tearing down and defacing ANC posters and flags. On questioning the girl testified that her action was a response to a call made by Mr Zukile Luyenge that ANC material should be destroyed. According to her claim Mr Luyenge made this call at a UDM rally recently held at Gxididi. Mr Luyenge is a member of the UDM Provincial Management Committee and hails from Gxididi.
The ANC condemns the use of children in poster warfare. The community of Gxididi in particular should check the activities and utterances of the likes of Mr Luyenge lest their children learn a culture of criminality. We advise political organisations to develop programmes that will engage the youth in positive and constructive campaigns. To encourage young children to engage in poster warfare is abuse and should be condemned from all quarters. The ANC is calling upon Teacher Organisations, Youth & Student Structures and Churches to condemn all forms of political abuse of children. It is the duty of each parent to insulate their children from wicked and nefarious activities like poster warfare of which UDM is a champion. The UDM should learn to adopt a culture of free political activity and political tolerance. Gxididi will always remain an ANC stronghold despite hooliganist activities by sinister forces.
ISSUED BY: TSHAKA HLAZO DEPUTY SECRETARY (UMTATA REGION)
13 May 1999