Chairperson, the African National Congress Youth League, ANCYL, is celebrating its 65th Anniversary this month, September 2009. It is the oldest youth movement in our country, which was formed in 1944.
It was the 1944 ANCYL generation that discouraged the pacifist nature of the struggle which was employed by the ANC until then. The significance of the foundation of the ANCYL in 1944 brought change in the ideological conceptualisation of the ANC itself; particularly on tactical issues relating to the advancement of the liberation struggle.
This year's theme for the celebrations is, "Celebrating a vibrant youth voice 65 years down the block". This represents the continued celebration of the vibrancy of the youth in South Africa. All ANCYL structures, namely, at branch, zone, regional and provincial levels will, in September and October 2009, undergo a political education which will place particular emphasis on the 1944 ANCYL manifesto and the 1948 Basic Policy Document.
The ANC is calling on the Youth League to remain militant and true to its role of generating leadership for the ANC. The ANCYL should define its role in the current environment of the ANC and society, and continue to help young people to acquire skills and abilities required to participate in the economy.
We remain confident that the ANCYL will spare no energy in its efforts to ensure that young people are taken seriously and continue to devise mechanisms which will help in advancing the development of young people. I thank you. [Applause.]