The deputy regional chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Pixley ka Seme region will be acting as the regional chairperson following the resignation of the ANCYL regional chairperson, Andile Phololo, last week.
THE DEPUTY regional chairperson of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Pixley ka Seme region will be acting as the regional chairperson following the resignation of the ANCYL regional chairperson Andile Phololo last week.
Phololo was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman at a tavern in Colesberg on August 6, while ANC members were in the Northern Cape town to attend the provincial Women’s Day celebrations.
The spokesperson for the ANCYL, Barry Oliphant, strongly condemned all forms of gender-based violence.
“Gender-based violence is a serious offence. We call on government to classify it as a crime against humanity. Perpetrators who are convicted of any gender-based violence must receive tougher prison sentences without the option of parole,” said Oliphant.
He added that the office of the provincial secretary received a letter of voluntary leave from the regional chairperson from his responsibilities from both the ANCYL and the ANC.
“Phololo has committed to co-operating with law authorities throughout the investigation. He will not be involved in politics unless he is cleared of the charges in a court of law. All members of the ANCYL are discouraged from attending court sittings in regalia of the ANCYL and to avoid any form of hands-off campaigns.”
Oliphant stated that a regional general council would be convened next month to elect a new regional chairperson.
“While we do not want to pre-empt the outcome of the court case, we will discuss the possibility of Phololo returning to the organisation, in the event that he is found not guilty of the charges, at the meeting. The deputy chairperson will act as the regional chairperson in the meantime.”
