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| SOCCER FEVER: 2010 World Cup fever has hit the small town of Kokstad in Southern KwaZulu Natal. This was witnessed on Thursday during the historic arrival of the big Bafana Bafana T-shirt regalia, which will mark the beginning of festivities planned to coincide with one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Kokstad Municipal speaker, Michael Khutshwa, Greater Kokstad Municipal event organizer, Heather Adkins and the Municipal Manager, Mxolisi Nkosi, getting ready for the day of signing the giant Bafana Bafana jersey. |
by Andile Moshoeshoe
05 February 2010
Political cracks within the African National Congress Youth (ANCYL) in Sisonke Region are starting to open up, following the exchange of blows amongst its members.
The incident occurred on Sunday during the launch of the new ANCYL structure in ward six at Shayamoya Township in Kokstad. The fight has landed one ANCYL member, Nyameko Mhlongo, in hospital, after he sustained serious injury to the head.
The vehicle of the former branch secretary; Khaya Xhorile was also stoned, breaking the back light. The fight reportedly started after some ANCYL members arrived at the branch general meeting and disrupted the proceedings by allegedly assaulting them with sjamboks. However, some ANCYL members retaliated by throwing stones. Iron bars were also used to hit each other.
Sisonke Regional ANC Secretary, Amon Zondi condemned the incident and added that it was perpetuated by the upcoming regional and provincial ANC conference. “Yes, when conferences are forthcoming, we may have different ideas, but we don’t encourage physical fights. These are
politics…not wrestling or boxing rings,” said Zondi.
According to information received, the fight started after the branch general meeting which was supposed to be held at the Shayamoya hall but was discreetly moved to another venue by some members of the youth league. “That was an improper act and pure cheating, because all members should be informed when there is a change of venue,” said Zondi. He said it was discovered, without giving formally notice, that the venue was changed to the home of a certain youth league member. “They went there and took some pictures in order to prove that the meeting was not held where it was supposed to happen, and that is when the fight started,” said Zondi.
ANCYL Chairman in Sisonke, Sindiso Magaqa insisted that the meeting was at the hall. “This is no breach of the stipulations of the constitution, the meeting can be held in the street or under a tree, as long as correct procedures have been followed,” said Magaqa.
He said the members were attacked while they were in the middle of the meeting and they fought back in self-defence. “Brainless people emerged in the middle of nowhere and attacked our members with sjamboks and iron bars,” said Magaqa.
ANCYL secretary, Thabiso Zulu said he will task delegates to go to Kokstad on Friday to investigate the matter. “If there was any misconduct during the proceedings of the meeting, the outcome will not be considered,” said Zulu.
Police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane confirmed the incident saying “cases of common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property are being investigated”.
No arrested have as yet been made. |
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