ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema had to “vacate his position”, the party’s national disciplinary committee said on Thursday.
“The respondent shall vacate his position as the president of the ANC Youth League,” said chairman Derek Hanekom in Johannesburg.
Malema was suspended for an effective five years.
“Malema damaged the standing of the ANC and South Africa’s international reputation,” said Hanekom.
Discipline in the ANC was “non-negotiable”, he said.
“Discipline is non-negotiable and it must be enforced,” he told reporters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, ahead of an announcement about the fate of African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema.
He said the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in September 2010 directed that it was crucial that its members were disciplined.
It was “incumbent” for the disciplinary committee to “observe” the NGC resolutions.
“There should be no confusing signals from leadership on matters of discipline,” said Hanekom, adding that the proper process was followed in the disciplinary hearing of ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.
“The disciplinary process was properly initiated and proper process was followed,” he said.
However, Hanekom said the start of the hearings in August was marred by “unprecedented violence” by Malema supporters. He continued to say the ANC Youth League’s autonomy was “qualified”.
Hanekom said the argument that the African National Congress Youth League was independent of the ANC was incorrect.
The ANCYL enjoyed a “degree of organisational autonomy”, but was not independent of the ANC.
The ANCYL existed for the sole benefit of the ANC.
The ANCYL’s constitution should not be in conflict with the ANC’s constitution, said Hanekom.
Credit to: Sapa and Independent Online
