The African National Congress Youth League in Gauteng has repeated its call for the inclusion of young people in the provincial executive council.
This follows the league’s criticism of Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw the appointment of Economic Freedom Fighters member Nkululeko Dunga as the new finance MEC.
The ANCYL said Lesufi’s decision to appoint Dunga continues a troubling pattern of young people being excluded from decision-making positions. The league also said the move contradicts party resolutions to appoint ethical servants for the people.
ANCYL’s Nelisiwe Nkomo said the primary reason for their call is not about any individual but about principle. She said for three consecutive reshuffles, the ANC in Gauteng has failed to show confidence in young people.
Nkomo said the league feels this is an insult to young people in the province because they believe there are capable young leaders, such as provincial chairperson Ntsako Mogobe, who should have been included in the executive.
She added that appointing a young person would bring innovation and a direct understanding of the challenges young people are facing.