Latest news with #ANCYL
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Is the ANC to blame for a negative perception of its officials?
ANCYL SG claims deployees are often stigmatised because of their political affiliation. The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has defended the deployment of ANC-aligned professionals into critical public service positions, but claims they are often victimised. The organisation's secretary-general, Mntwoxolo Ngudle, said deployees are often judged because of their political affiliation. 'The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) notes with concern the growing trend of public discourse that seeks to stigmatise and delegitimise the deployment of highly qualified ANC-aligned professionals to public institutions. 'It is disheartening that individuals who possess the highest forms of academic and professional qualifications, some holding doctorates and years of industry experience, are dismissed solely because of their affiliation with the ANC,' he said. He said casting aspersions on ANC-aligned professionals is a blow to the country's transformation agenda and the need for equality. 'We reject the narrow narrative that presumes any ANC member appointed to a position of responsibility is there by virtue of patronage rather than merit. 'This weaponisation of public opinion against ANC deployees is a calculated political attack designed to weaken the ANC's influence in key institutions of development,' he claimed. ALSO READ: 'Political gaslighting': Will Lesufi really fire corrupt officials? The analyst explains why there is a negative perception However, political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast told The Citizen that the ANC is to blame for the negative perception that the public has about the party. 'The ANC has displayed a culture of not caring for its people, let's be honest. 'Most municipalities are failing to comply with the Municipal Finance Management Act. Public officials are doing business with the municipalities that they work for, that is an 'I don't care attitude,'' he said. Breakfast said there is evidence that the ANC has used jobs in the public sector to reward certain individuals close to the executive. 'The problem is the ANC has been using the public service as a terrain of accumulation, but also as a terrain to dish out favours to some of their henchmen. 'When a president is elected, or even in regional politics, whoever ascends the state machinery will be used to dish out favours to those people who assisted,' he said. Appointments in the DA-run municipalities DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said the party has always ensured that professionals in the administration of the municipalities they run are appointed on merit. 'We do not apply cadre deployment at all, we believe that the most competent person must be appointed to a position. 'The fact that you are a member of a political party should not play a role in your appointment whatsoever,' he said. However, the party said the law does allow it to appoint its members to political office. 'Political office is exactly what it says that is political office. With a political appointment, it is connected to the term of that elected person, and when that person is removed, the other positions attached to this also end,' he said. NOW READ: Mbalula: It is very painful to see your own comrades being arrested
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Three GNT execs suspended
On Tuesday, the financially bleeding company was forced to pay R9 million of the missing money. Widows of former Great North Transport employees join affected former and current employees to picket outside of the Office of the Limpopo Premier in demand of the implementation of recommendations made in an investigation regarding the whereabouts of lost pension funds. Picture: Supplied Limpopo Great North Transport (GNT) has placed its chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Matata Mokoele, chief operations officer (COO), Ms Mahlako Mogoshoane, and chief finance officer (CFO), Nazeem Essa, on precautionary suspension. The organisation is a subsidiary of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). The trio were suspended on Tuesday following allegations of financial misconduct amounting to R9 million. It is alleged that medical aid and pension funds belonging to more than 280 employees have not been paid for a considerable number of years. On Tuesday, the financially bleeding company was forced to pay R9 million of the missing money. The agency confirmed on Friday that the trio had been suspended with pay, pending the outcome of internal investigations. 'This resolution was taken in response to serious concerns related to financial governance, operational delivery, and executive accountability. 'The suspensions are effective immediately and will remain in place for a period not exceeding three (3) months,' said the company. During this period, the Board said it will be engaging the shareholder, the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), to provide strategic and operational support, including the secondment of interim leadership resources to ensure the continued delivery of essential public transport services. 'We appeal for cooperation and support from all stakeholders during this transitional period and will provide further updates as necessary,' said the board. ANC Youth League welcome decision The ANC Youth League in Limpopo commended the company for its action. Provincial secretary Phineas Sebola said the lack of pension payments has had a profound impact on retired and current employees, particularly those reliant on pensions for income. ALSO READ: Unpaid provident fund sparks protest by Great North Transport employees Some employees, he said, had unfortunately passed away before receiving their money they were owed. Sebola added that the company has a responsibility to rectify logistical issues in Limpopo and provide affordable transportation services. 'This viable transport mode for our people has been disconnected from the communities due to financial mismanagement. 'As the ANCYL, we view this as an opportunity for our parents, brothers, and sisters who worked for the company for years to receive justice and ultimately obtain what is due to them. 'In addition, the ANCYL advocates for the review of the board and urges the departments responsible to consider dissolving the board and bringing a new structure dominated by young people to bring life in GNT. 'It is in our view that the board has not been doing its work efficiently. Instead, it is now shifting the problem to senior executives. 'We believe that older members may be experiencing diminishing returns in terms of their capacity, leading to ineffective governance of our institutions or companies. 'The inclusion of young people will bring fresh perspectives and energetic engagement to the table, offsetting potential fatigue among older members and facilitating the efficient operation of the company,' Sebola explained. DA lay charges On Monday the DA, the third biggest political party in Limpopo after the EFF and the ANC, laid criminal charged at the Polokwane police station against LEDET and LEDA. This followed years of complaints over unpaid pension fund and medical aid payments to GNT employees. 'The board and executive management of LEDA, as the sole shareholder of GNT, bear statutory and fiduciary oversight responsibilities for GNT's operations and financial conduct. They, too, must be held accountable and face consequences. 'Unpaid contributions for pension fund schemes now total R6.78 million, affecting 945 employees. In some cases, employee membership has already been suspended. 'If a partial payment of R1 million is not made by the end of May, all employee memberships will be suspended. 'If the default continues, employees risk permanently losing their pension benefits. 'Medical unpaid contributions totalled R3.21 million, affecting 247 employees. All medical aid coverage for GNT employees has been suspended, meaning employees cannot access healthcare services unless they pay out of pocket,' said Jacques Smalle, Member of the Provincial Legislature in Lebowakgomo. On Friday, LEDA told The Citizen that it has settled the bill and paid an amount of R9 million towards the employees' pension fund and medical aid contributions. NOW READ: R15m in road unworthiness fines for Great North Transport
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ANCYL warns of 'dual loyalties' after Citizenship Act declared unconstitutional
Citizenship is not just a legal formality; it's a commitment. The ANCYL urges South Africans to choose loyalty and engage in shaping a just, united nation through the constitutional process. Image: File The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has expressed its concern over the Constitutional Court ruling delivered on Tuesday, which declared Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act unconstitutional. This section previously required South Africans who voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship to automatically forfeit their South African citizenship unless they applied to retain it beforehand. ANCYL secretary general Mntuwoxolo Ngudle emphasised the importance of citizenship as more than an administrative status, underscoring its significance as a commitment to the country and its people. The Youth League's primary concern is that the ruling could create a situation where individuals with dual citizenship may not show the necessary loyalty and dedication to South Africa's future. "We are deeply concerned that this ruling opens the door to dual loyalties at a time when our country needs focused, active citizens committed to building a united, non-racial, and just South Africa. South Africans must decide: are you in or are you out? One cannot enjoy the privileges of being South African while pledging allegiance to another state," said Ngudle. He further expressed that citizenship must not be diluted, especially in light of the country's current socio-economic challenges. "National identity must be protected from dilution, especially when our socio-economic challenges require undivided loyalty and participation," he stated. The ANCYL also directed its criticism at the Democratic Alliance (DA), claiming that the party continues to serve the interests of foreign and elitist forces. Ngudle accused the DA of seeking to benefit those who exploit South African laws to avoid accountability. "Their actions once again expose who they are working for: those who exploit our laws to escape accountability and avoid real contribution to our national development." Responding to the ruling, the Youth League called for greater youth engagement in the ongoing constitutional review process.
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
ANCYL criticises DA's court challenge to Employment Equity Act as a threat to transformation
The ANCYL condemns the DA's challenge to the Employment Equity Amendment Act, calling it an attack on South Africa's transformation efforts and a setback for racial justice and economic equity. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has condemned the Democratic Alliance's (DA) legal challenge to the Employment Equity Amendment Act describing it as a direct attack on South Africa's constitutional values of redress and equality. This comes as the DA heads to the Pretoria High Court over the Employment Equity Amendment Act, threatening to reignite tensions within the already fragile Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA claims the Act, which introduces sector-specific equity targets, will damage the economy and impose rigid national race quotas in the workplace. In a statement, the ANCYL accused the DA of attempting to reverse the gains of transformation and racial justice by seeking to have the Act declared unconstitutional. The party's application targets Section 15A and the Minister of Employment and Labour's authority to set sector-specific equity targets, provisions the Youth League says are central to correcting historical injustice. 'This Act is not about quotas, it is about justice. It is about correcting decades of deliberate exclusion of black people, women, and persons with disabilities from meaningful economic participation,' said ANCYL Secretary General Mntuwoxolo Ngudle. The Youth League pointed to ongoing disparities in the labour market, citing the 2023 Commission for Employment Equity report, which shows that white South Africans, who make up less than 8% of the population, still occupy over 60% of top management roles in the private sector. At the same time, nearly 60% of black youth between the ages of 15 and 34 remain unemployed, compared to under 10% of white youth, according to 2024 data from Stats SA. Ngudle added, 'The DA's arguments that the Act violates the dignity of those not 'preferred' are not only legally flawed but morally bankrupt. Dignity cannot be used as a shield to preserve inequality.'
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
How sycophancy harms the ANC and ANCYL: The need for authentic leadership
. The phenomenon of "bootlickers"—those individuals who gain favour not through merit but through excessive sycophancy—poses a significant risk to the core values and effectiveness of these vital political movements. Image: Independent Media/ RON AI The struggle between genuine leadership and subservient behaviour can be starkly contrasted in any organisation. Within the African National Congress (ANC) and its youth league, the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), this dynamic plays a critical role in shaping the political landscape of South Africa. The phenomenon of "bootlickers"—those individuals who gain favour not through merit but through excessive sycophancy—poses a significant risk to the core values and effectiveness of these vital political movements. Bootlickers thrive in environments where loyalty is prioritised over competence. They rise through the ranks not because they possess innovative ideas or the courage to challenge flawed policies, but because they know how to ingratiate themselves with those in power. This behaviour, more than mere opportunism, is detrimental to the health of any organisation and, more broadly, to the movement for social and economic justice that the ANC and ANCYL were born to champion. One of the most alarming effects of this culture is the stifling of innovation. Bootlickers, in their quest to align their opinions with those of their superiors, create an echo chamber where new ideas are dismissed, and risk-taking is minimized. True progress requires a continuous influx of fresh perspectives and constructive criticism. Without these critical elements, organizations stagnate, eventually becoming irrelevant in an ever-changing political landscape. Furthermore, bootlickers contribute to the suppression of honest voices. Those who dare to question the status quo, to speak truth to power, or to point out inconsistencies in policies may find themselves ostracised or marginalised. This demoralises vocal dissenters and discourages others from expressing their concerns, leading to a lack of accountability. Having hard conversations—about mismanagement, corruption, or ethical failings— is essential for an organisation that aspires to be an agent of change. When dissenting voices are silenced, the movement becomes increasingly vulnerable to internal decay and the erosion of public trust. Moreover, bootlicking breeds mediocrity. When the individuals closest to power lack the skill, vision, or drive to advance the organisation's goals, the consequences ripple throughout the institution. Mediocre leadership cannot inspire greatness; it can only maintain the status quo. This lack of dynamism within the ANC and ANCYL jeopardises the movement's ability to respond promptly and effectively to pressing societal issues. South Africans today are not just looking for leaders who can echo party lines; they need visionaries willing to think critically and ambitiously about the future. The toxic environments cultivated by bootlickers can impact morale and productivity as well. When a culture prioritises sycophancy over authenticity, ordinary members often feel undervalued and unsupported. They may become disillusioned or lose their sense of purpose, viewing the organisation as a place of favouritism rather than meritocracy. Such discontent can lead to high service delivery, resourcing issues, and diminished organisational performance. Authentic leadership thrives on honesty, critical feedback, and respectful dissent. Great leaders do not seek praise singers; they crave truth tellers who challenge their thinking, present new ideas, and spark meaningful discussions. Leaders should not only tolerate dissent but actively encourage it, recognising that robust debate ultimately leads to better decision-making and a more resilient organisation. The best leaders empower their team members to voice differing opinions; they foster a culture where healthy discourse is valued, and varied perspectives are sought out. Service delivery usually arises from uncomfortable conversations and the courage to confront inconvenient truths. By dismantling the toxic culture of bootlicking within the ANC and ANCYL, leaders can unlock the creativity and potential of their members. Encouraging ranks to engage with difficult questions and strive for excellence can transform the organization's landscape and galvanize it toward its foundational mission. The peril of bootlicking within the ANC and ANCYL cannot be overstated. This culture is a barrier to innovation, accountability, and excellence. The ANC and ANCYL must prioritize building a climate of openness and meritocracy—one that fosters, rather than stifles, creativity and critical thinking. As we reflect on the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice, let us strive to honor their values by embracing honest dialogue and encouraging brave leadership. Only then can the ANC and ANCYL align with their core mission: to combat inequality and uplift the voices of all South Africans. The time to reclaim the essence of these movements is now; let us reject bootlicking and embrace a future shaped by visionary leadership and authentic engagement.
