The Free State ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has expressed deep concerns over excluding young people from provincial leadership positions.

This sentiment was voiced during a media briefing held at the ANC provincial offices in Bloemfontein on Saturday (6/7). The ANCYL Chairperson Xolani Tseletsele criticised the recent appointment of the provincial Executive Council (Exco), highlighting the lack of representation for young leaders.

"Although the ANCYL welcomed the appointment of the new Premier, Cde MaQueen Mathae, with reservations on the exclusion of young capable people aged 35 and under, our clarion call for the inclusion of young people continues to fall on deaf ears," Tseletsele stated. "We must raise the question as to how Cde Zama Sigwebela, being the only young member of the Free State Legislature from the ranks of the Youth League, has been overlooked without even caring to take the Youth League into confidence."

Tseletsele emphasised Mathae could have considered Sigwebela for positions such as the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development or the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. He argued that such appointments would have ensured a generational mix within the provincial leadership. He said the ANCYL is also aggrieved by Mathae's decision to prioritise Cosatu, after appointing their Provincial Secretary Monyatso Mahlatsi, as MEC of Health.

He accused Cosatu of contributing to the ANC's loss of votes during the elections by causing instability and promoting anarchy in some municipalities through marches that compromised service delivery.

"Cosatu was nowhere to be found during elections and was part of the reason the ANC lost some votes," Tseletsele said. He called for withdrawing the Health MEC appointment, suggesting Sigwebela as his replacement.

Tseletsele has been vocal in advocating for the inclusion of young people in leadership positions. He previously made headlines when he was suspended for threatening a resident who complained about potholes on Facebook. Tseletsele who is also mayor of the troubled Kopanong Municipality apologised to Jagersfontein resident Kalebe Kalebe.  

Following the incident, ANCYL Xhariep Deputy Regional Secretary, Kamohelo Seleke, alleged a coordinated political plot against Tseletsele to prevent him from becoming a member of the Free State Legislature. This claim came after Tseletsele attended an interview for an MEC position.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg