2005-11-07,+YCL+Statement+on+New+Charges+against+ANC+Deputy+President

= **STATEMENT OF THE YOUNG COMMUNIST LEAGUE OF SOUTH AFRICA ON THE NEW CHARGES AGAINST THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE ANC.** =


 * 06 December 2005**

The Young Communist League notes the new charges brought against the Deputy President of the ANC related to allegations of rape. We will continue to observe proceedings in the court of law and wish to reserve our comment on the merits and demerits of the case in the interest of both the accuser and the accused.

We appeal to all South Africans to protect the rights of both the accuser and accused, and refrain from harmful speculation in this regard. We also appeal to some members of the media to refrain from reducing themselves into 'Kangaroo Courts', investigating, trying and passing judgement on individuals prior to a court of law as was the case with the Deputy President of the ANC.

We wish to reiterate the fact that the Deputy President has been treated unfairly as it relates to his corruption charges, and that the new charges brought against him do not remove the idea that there is a conspiracy to stop him from being President of the ANC in 2007 and of the country in 2009.

The YCL remains firmly behind the Deputy President of the ANC.

The YCL respects the decision of the Deputy President of the ANC to step aside from his position. We will continue to interact with him through and through.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL SECRETARY OF THE YOUNG COMMUNIST LEAGUE OF SOUTH AFRICA

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT NATIONAL SECRETARY: BUTI MANAMELA (011) 339 3621