Mpumalanga ANCYL apologises to Mbalula over booing incident at NGC
The ANC Youth League in Mpumalanga has apologised to the ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula after the branch booed him at the NGC conference in Northern Cape on Friday.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Mpumalanga has issued a formal and “unconditional apology” to ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, following a disruptive booing incident during his address at the ANCYL National General Council (NGC) in Kimberley on Friday.
Chairperson of the Mpumalanga ANCYL, Bethuel Zunguza condemned the conduct in a statement, distancing the provincial leadership from the actions of a small group of delegates.
“This communique serves as my unconditional apology to you in your capacity as ANC secretary-general for the unfortunate and reprehensible events on the occasion of the ANCYL NGC at the Seperepere Stadium,” said Zunguza.
Zunguza clarified that the incident occurred while he was attending to delegates experiencing food-related illness.
“I was not even inside the venue… I was busy attending to the situation of the delegates who had diarrhoea challenges due to the food that they had consumed.”
The booing, which briefly disrupted Mbalula’s speech, was reportedly linked to grievances over the outcomes of the Ehlanzeni regional conference.
However, Zunguza insisted the behaviour does not reflect the province as a whole.
“We do not condone or encourage these unscrupulous tendencies, which are in contrast with the founding values of our Glorious Movement, the African National Congress,” he stated.
“The culprits of this misconduct are just a few individuals — less than ten in number.”
Zunguza confirmed that the provincial secretary, Thalente Ndebele, has been instructed to institute immediate disciplinary proceedings.
“We will ensure that the disciplinary process is implemented pronto in accordance with the strictest dictates and rules of the ANC.”
He further affirmed the province’s support for Mbalula’s leadership.
“Our support for you as ANC secretary-general is unequivocal. We are prepared to have a formal meeting with you to express this humbly profuse apology.”
The apology appears aimed not only at damage control but also at restoring confidence in the ANCYL’s commitment to “revolutionary discipline.”
Zunguza said, “We will not tolerate anarchy and all other forms of ill-discipline.”
IOL has reported that Mbalula has hit back at those who attempt to undermine ANC leadership through factionalism and public disruption.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics