13 March 2007
The officials of the African National Congress Women's League met on 12 March 2007, in their ordinary meeting and discussed the statements by the Young Communist League that were directed to the President of the ANC Women's League.
We in the Women's League believe that the Minister is a political head in the department that works with other colleagues in the Cabinet. If there are problems the whole Cabinet must be seized with those problems, indeed the Cabinet remains seized with this problem.
We also believe that whatever issues that individuals or organizations have, they should be genuine and should not be personal attacks.
The language that has been used by the YCL in its statement leaves much to be desired, it is sexist and demeaning.
This shows a very high level of the demon of patriarchy within the ranks of people that we think are progressive. We have been looking into this with interest and it must come to an end.
The problems of Home Affairs did not start yesterday, they started long ago and people should not behave as if they have not been staying in South Africa for the past 12 years.
Since Minister Mapisa-Nqakula took over, she has tirelessly addressed these problems and since the problems involve members of our society- as patriots we should be coming with ways and means to combat the corruption and crimes perpetrated.
We stand by our Minister and we will give her the support she deserves, and call on all patriots to do the same. This does not mean that citizens should not raise their concerns about departments but they should be raised constructively.
We have communicated with their leadership and have agreed to a meeting so as to discuss this matter.
Issued by: ANC Women's League
3rd Floor Chief Albert Luthuli House
Johannesburg
Contact: Charlotte Lobe 0824968025
e-mail: mndimande@anc.org.za