Hon Speaker, the ANC congratulates the Progressive Youth Alliance, PYA, in general and the South African Students Congress, Sasco, in particular on the resounding and overwhelming victories recorded in the recent student representative council elections held around the country. They lead in universities such as Wits University, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - previously led by the DA Students Organisation, Daso - and the University of the Western Cape. Young people have rejected the DA and its Daso by conferring upon Sasco 100% of the seats available in the council.
The results of these elections have unequivocally demystified the myth spread by prophets of doom that young people have lost faith in mass democratic movements as led by the ANC. On many campuses Sasco and the ANC Youth League contested the elections and defeated those who posture as having the monopoly of the youth vote, particularly the youth from middle- class backgrounds.
The ANC calls upon the PYA to consolidate its gains by closing ranks against opportunistic elements, displaying unity in action across all its components and serving young people with selflessness, diligence and distinction. We have no doubt that the unstoppable PYA tsunami will never betray the confidence the youth continue to have in the congress movement when they govern these structures. I thank you. [Applause.]