Speaker, the ANC Youth League recently celebrated its 69th anniversary at the old Academy Hall in Johannesburg. The formation of the ANC Youth league in 1944 represented a new epoch in the body of politics of the movement and the struggle against colonial domination and national oppression. It was at the beginning of militant politics that signalled an end to the politics of soft diplomacy.
The ANC caucus pays tribute to the founding generation of the ANC Youth League, among others, Anthony Lembede, Mxolisi Majombozi, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and many others, who dedicated so much time and energy in the struggle against national oppression.
The ANC Youth League has made an immeasurable contribution to building a democratic, nonsexist, nonracial and prosperous South Africa. These efforts date back to the defiance campaign, the formation of uMkhonto weSizwe, and the October 2011 mass action against white monopoly capital in South Africa. The Youth League is an entity that plays a critical role in the life of our glorious organisation, the ANC.
The ANC caucus, which is the Youth League, will put its effort into rebuilding and renewing itself, hoping that it will remain relevant, vibrant and forward-looking. As the ANC, we would like to wish the ANC Youth League a happy 69th anniversary. Thank you. [Applause.]