Tensions escalate as ANC Youth League calls for ANC to exit KZN's Government of Provincial Unity
ANC youth league in KZN wants out of the GPU
Image: Sizwe Ndingane / Independent Newspapers
Tensions in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) are escalating, with the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in KwaZulu-Natal calling for the mother body to withdraw from the coalition government.
The league argues that other political parties in the GPU are intent on sabotaging and destroying the ANC. The GPU consists of the ANC, DA, IFP and the NFP.
The ANCYL contends that departments in the provincial government, as well as municipalities led by the ANC, are being targeted by other GPU members. The recent unseating of the ANC leadership via a vote of no confidence in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality appears to have been the final straw for the league.
The league also raised concern about the actions of Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, a senior DA leader, in relation to issues at the KZN Department of Education and other led ANC-led departments.
The ANC provincial task team had previously raised issues, claiming that ANC municipalities were being specifically targeted by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). The Cogta MEC is senior IFP leader Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
The ANCYL echoed these sentiments in its statement.
“The ANCYL KZN calls on the ANC to withdraw its participation in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), as it has become clear that this arrangement is nothing but a ploy to destroy the ANC under the guise of working together. We believe that our continued participation in the GPU will be detrimental to the ANC. We have observed numerous incidents where municipalities and provincial departments have been targeted,” stated the league.
In response, the DA condemned the ANCYL's claims.
“We will not be distracted by the ANC Youth League's lies and misinformation. It's time for a new generation of leaders to emerge and take KwaZulu-Natal forward – leaders who are capable, well-capacitated, and committed to delivering real change. The DA is ready to lead the way.”
The IFP said it would issue a statement later on Monday.