JOHANNESBURG – The ANC Youth League yesterday apologised for embarrassing the ANC in its reaction to Nomvula Mokonyane being appointed Gauteng premier.
‘We apologise unconditionally to the people of South Africa and the leadership of the ANC for the embarrassment we caused the organisation,’ ANCYL provincial secretary Thabo Kupa told a press briefing in Johannesburg.The league initially claimed she was appointed to fill ANC gender quotas, but then said she had been chosen because of her skills.’We understand and respect the decision of the ANC NEC committee, that comrade Nomvula Mokonyane serve as premier of Gauteng for the government term starting in 2009.’They also apologised to her and would ‘re-dedicate’ to work with her and the government to build a ‘sustainable life for all’.Last week the league said it would ask Mokonyane, currently Gauteng Housing MEC, to decline her selection as the provinces’ new premier. It wanted current Premier Paul Mashatile to stay on the job.Yesterday the league said it understood that Mokonyane was chosen on the basis of her capacity to lead the government in Gauteng.’We believe that Mokonyane is equal to the task and will steer the entire government and the people of Gauteng to do more.’ANCYL president Julius Malema said they had had a preference and were within their rights to have one, as they had ‘invested’ a lot in Mashatile.Explaining the ANCYL’s initial statement, Malema said they had a right to express themselves and had been disappointed by Mokonyane’s appointment. They had been ‘shocked’ by the NEC’s decision. – Nampa-Sapa
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