ANC Youth League President Julius Malema 'Humbled by Support' in Re-election

African National Congress Youth League conference in South Africa featured the President Julius Maleme as well as President Jacob Zuma. Malema won re-election easily over the youth wing of the ruling party., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Malema 'humbled by the support', ready to lead

MMANALEDI MATABOGE AND MATUMA LETSOALO | JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Jun 17 2011 23:15

Julius Malema retained his position as ANC Youth League president on Friday after contender Gauteng youth league chairperson Lebogang Maile declined the nomination.

Following the announcement of ANCYL president Julius Malema's re-election, we find out how his loyal supporters feel, why they believe he's the only leader for them, and their response to Maile declining his nomination.

Soon after the announcement was made, a jubilant Malema told the Mail & Guardian that he was ready to lead the youth league again.

"I'm humbled by the support that I got and the fact that the comrades have given me the mandate. I shall not disappoint".

Maile was earlier on Friday evening trying to negotiate for a deputy president position with Malema's group, but was given the cold shoulder because he did not have enough support. The top five candidates -- who were aligned with Malema -- achieved victory without any contestation.

Maile's political mentor, arts and culture minister Paul Mashatile, tried unsuccessfully to get him to withdraw his challenge. Maile however conceded defeat late on Friday after being persuaded by other senior Gauteng party leaders.

It was clear on Friday morning that Maile stood no chance of challenging Malema.

All the representatives of the youth league's allies praised Malema for leading the league effectively and endorsed him for a second term.

There have been been widespread rumours that the Malema-led national executive council would disband the Gauteng provincial executive committee as it was already too polarised. Malema however gave assurances at a media briefing on Friday evening that no one would be victimised because of whom they supported.

"The leadership has got the responsibility to protect every member of the organisation and every member has got the right to be protected," said Malema.

"Members have got the right to express their views. No one will be treated differently".

Ronald Lamola from Mpumalanga was elected deputy president. Sindiso Magaqa, from KwaZulu-Natal, was elected secretary general, while Kenetswe Mosenogi is his deputy.

Pule Mabe retained the treasurer general position.

The league will now elect additional members of the national executive committee and make the announcement on Saturday.

For the latest on the ANC Youth League conference click here:

Source: Mail & Guardian Online
Web Address: http://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-17-malema-humbled-by-the-support-ready-to-lead