ANCYL cash-strapped

JOHANNESBURG – The embattled ANC Youth League is facing a cash crisis, suggesting that the ruling party has pulled the plug on its youth wing, the Johannesburg Sunday Times reported yesterday.

The ANC, the main funder of the Youth League, has withdrawn its monthly grant, worth about R500 000. In addition, the league believes its fundraising efforts are being snubbed by top ANC-aligned businessmen because of its stance on the presidential succession debate.The Youth League has in recent months been unable to run some of its key programmes, and recently had to cancel two national working committee meetings, the Sunday Times said.The league has been the most vociferous backer of axed former Deputy President Jacob Zuma and has publicly differed with President Thabo Mbeki and the official party line.Zizi Kodwa, spokesman for the league, confirmed that the ANC’s monthly allocation to the league “is no longer regular”.He admitted that the league was having financial problems but said it had “not closed shop”.- Nampa-SapaIn addition, the league believes its fundraising efforts are being snubbed by top ANC-aligned businessmen because of its stance on the presidential succession debate.The Youth League has in recent months been unable to run some of its key programmes, and recently had to cancel two national working committee meetings, the Sunday Times said.The league has been the most vociferous backer of axed former Deputy President Jacob Zuma and has publicly differed with President Thabo Mbeki and the official party line.Zizi Kodwa, spokesman for the league, confirmed that the ANC’s monthly allocation to the league “is no longer regular”.He admitted that the league was having financial problems but said it had “not closed shop”.- Nampa-Sapa