Mpho Dube

Tension is spreading within the ANCYL ahead of its provincial elective conference.

If the “tit for tat” between the supporters of President Jacob Zuma and suspended ANCYL president Julius Malema is anything to go by, the conference is likely to be marked by tensions similar to the violent election of the league’s provincial leadership in Mangaung in 2008.

The two opposing league sides came face to face at Seshego township this week.

A tug of war erupted and turned physical during a motorcade organised in support of the embattled youth leader on Tuesday.

The anti-Malema group on Saturday celebrated Malema’s downfall after the ANC appeals committee upheld a guilty verdict by the ruling party’s national disciplinary committee, which found him guilty on charges of ill-discipline and sowing division in the party.

The celebrations of Malema’s demise by his opponents lasted until Sunday.

On Tuesday, Malema’s supporters organised a motorcade and prayer ceremony. However, they were met by the anti-Malema faction, which assaulted some of the allies who joined the motorcade.

The anti-Malema faction wanted Eddie Maleka from the Capricorn region to oust Malema’s right-hand man in the province, Jacob Lebogo, ANCYL provincial secretary.

Frans Moswane, ANC provincial chairperson, condemned the actions of burning ANCYL T-shirts bearing Malema’s face and the carrying of a white infant’s coffin, which symbolised Malema’s political death. Moswane also criticised those who tried to intimidated Malema’s grandmother.

Speaking at Malema’s home, Moswane urged ANCYL supporters to remain unshaken and rally behind their embattled leader. He vowed the league would support Malema’s family while he was under political siege from his opponents.

He also vowed that the ANCYL would continue to support Malema’s families, despite the prevailing leadership battle challenges.

“Don’t be intimidated by some ill-disciplined people who were carrying a coffin claiming it to be that of our president. We will continue to support our president,” said Moswane.

Rudzani Ludere, ANC Youth League provincial treasurer, said: “Even if they purge Malema out of the organisation, they will never obliterate the resolutions taken by the ANC youth, among others, nationalisation of mines.”

mphod@theweage.co.za