The Free State ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has remained silent following a directive from the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to issue a public apology to Cosatu and its provincial chairperson.

During a recent media briefing, the ANCYL expressed deep concerns over the exclusion of young people from provincial leadership positions and accused Cosatu of contributing to the ANC’s electoral decline.

ANCYL Chairperson, Xolani Tseletsele, criticised Cosatu for causing instability and promoting anarchy in some municipalities through marches that compromised service delivery. Tseletsele also called for the resignation of Cosatu Secretary General Monyatso Mahlatsi from his position as Health MEC, suggesting Zama Sigwebela as his replacement.

Following a meeting held by the Free State ANC this past weekend, the PEC instructed the ANCYL to retract its statements and apologise to Cosatu. ANC provincial spokesperson Jabu Mbalula said while the ANCYL has the right to raise issues affecting young people in the province, it must be done within the party’s internal structures.

Mbalula emphasised that the ANCYL’s decision to utter their grievances through the media and criticise Cosatu, particularly MEC Mahlatsi, was seen as “uncomradely” and detrimental to the historically cordial relationship between youth and workers.

Speaking to OFM News, Free State ANCYL spokesperson Sinazo Hafula said the ANCYL can’t comment on the issue now and there is no apology from their side. The ANCYL would issue a statement responding to the ANC PEC’s directive.

The EFF in the Free State expressed their support for MEC Mahlatsi and commended his work in the health sector, despite calls for his resignation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg