The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng has expressed disappointment that none of the Members of the Executive Council (MEC) appointed by Premier Panyaza Lesufi are below the age of 35.
Lesufi announced the 10 MECs who will be part of the government of provincial unity, including seven from the ANC, all from the previous administration, and others from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance, and Rise Mzansi.
In a media briefing in Johannesburg, Gauteng ANCYL’s Ntsako Mogobe said, “The Youth League is deeply disappointed and strongly condemns a decision by the ANC to consciously exclude young people in the executive under the age of 35. The ANC must explain why there’s no young person in their appointed, ignoring the fact that there are capable young people in the legislature under the age of 35 who will then lead to the call for youth development.”
Mogobe called on the premier to give young people more responsibilities and positions of influence in the legislature to ensure they are at the centre of youth development in the province.
ANCYL laments lack of youth in Gauteng’s executive
The ANCYL also commended the provincial negotiating team for maintaining its values during the formation of the government of provincial unity and not succumbing to the demands of the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has opted to serve as the opposition in the Gauteng legislature.
Mogobe stated, “The African National Congress Youth League strongly supports the decision taken by the ANC provincial executive committee in standing firm than being railroaded by the Democratic Alliance. We commend the provincial executive committee for their unwavering commitment to the principles and values of the ANC, ensuring that our party’s vision and objectives are not compromised by external pressures in these negotiations.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05 July 2024ANC YOUTH LEAGUE GAUTENG STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE
GOVERNMENT OF PROVINCIAL UNITY. THE ANCYL WOULD LIKE TO CATEGORICALLY STATE THAT IT IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF THE 7TH ADMINISTRATION. pic.twitter.com/thIMqVxBRt— Official: GautengANCYL (@gautengancyl) July 5, 2024