ANC STATEMENT ON COMMENTS BY ANC YOUTH LEAGUE PRESIDENT

17 June 2008

The African National Congress has noted certain comments attributed to ANC Youth League President Julius Malema during a Youth Day rally in Thaba Nchu yesterday (16 June 2008).

The ANC wishes to reiterate that the ANC Youth League is an autonomous body within the overall structure of the ANC. As such, it is entitled to articulate its own policies and positions on public platforms.

Understanding this relationship, the ANC nevertheless considers it important to state its own position as it pertains to these reported comments:

• The ANC is a democratic organisation, in which all members are entitled to freely express their views and opinions within the structures of the movement. This includes discussion on matters of leaders and leadership.
• The ANC's leadership is elected through an inclusive and thoroughly democratic process in which all members are allowed to participate. All members are thus bound by the decision of the majority, and are required to recognise the authority of the duly elected leaders.
• There is only one national ANC leadership collective, elected at Polokwane, with responsibility for implementing one set of ANC policies and one ANC programme. The ANC will not tolerate any factional or divisive practices.
• The ANC respects the independence of the judiciary, and will defend it against any attempts to undermine its integrity.
• The ANC urges all South Africans to respect due legal process. The ANC calls on all state institutions to respect the rights of all citizens, including the right to equal treatment before the law and the right to be presumed innocent until found otherwise.
• The ANC reiterates its concern at the treatment of its President by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over the past eight years, and will demonstrate its support for him as the case against him goes to court. However, the ANC wishes to caution against any statements or actions that may inflame emotions or undermine the principled position the organisation has taken.

Issued by:
Jessie Duarte
Spokesperson
African National Congress

For more information, interview requests and general enquiries:
Steyn Speed 082 572 7304
Vuyisa Manyandela 011 376 1052