ANC+statement+on+YCL+attack+on+Home+Affairs+Minister

ANC statement, 8 March 2007
=YCL attack on Home Affairs Minister=

The African National Congress considers statements attributed to the Young Communist League (YCL) about Minister of Home Affairs Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to be unfounded and ill-considered.

YCL spokesperson Castro Ngobese is reported to have described Mapisa-Nqakula as being "a decoration", "inept" and "heartless".

The ANC acknowledges the right, indeed the duty, of all groupings within society to express themselves on the performance of public representatives and government officials.

However, in this instance, not only do the YCL's comments lack substance, but they are abusive and insulting.

The ANC is further concerned at the sexist and demeaning tone of some of the statements attributed to the YCL spokesperson. It suggests a disturbing absence of gender sensitivity from an organisation that is supposed to be a leading force for the emancipation of women.

The ANC urges the youth in particular to ensure that they do not, wittingly or unwittingly, perpetuate the sexist attitudes that have been so prevalent in our society.

Since taking up her current position, Mapisa-Nqakula has worked with commitment and determination to address the very substantial challenges within the Department of Home Affairs. She has been forthright about the weaknesses within the department, and has taken steps to address these, including the establishment of a support intervention team with representatives from other government departments.

The ANC has every confidence that the minister will continue ably to oversee the extensive range of tasks that need to be undertaken to improve the service of this critical department.

The ANC believes that the performance of government at all levels can only be improved through honest and well-informed assessments of all bodies and institutions.

Unfortunately, the YCL's reported comments are neither well-informed nor honest.

The ANC commends the minister for not reacting to this unwarranted provocation, but instead remaining focused on the work that the people of this country expect her, and all her colleagues, to undertake.

Issued by: African National Congress, PO Box 61884, Marshalltown 2107

More information: **Smuts Ngonyama** **082 994 2112**

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