ANCYL given ultimatum over Kathrada memorial
While the ANC in KZN says it's setting up a meeting with the organisers of Ahmed Kathrada's Durban memorial service to discuss a way forward, the ANC Youth League has been given an ultimatum - either apologise for disrupting the service or face the consequences of being in contempt of court.
Listen to the full bulletin below.
Before the memorial on Sunday, organisers, the Active Citizens Movement asked the Durban High Court to give an order - barring the youth league from being at the memorial.
But the court said members of the league could attend but should not disrupt proceedings.
During the memorial service, former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and ANC Treasurer-General Zweli Mkhize had to speak over the persistent heckling, singing and chanting of youth league members.
#KathradaMemorial ANCYL erupt in chants of 'Zuma' when former minister, Pravin Gordhan was introduced earlier. pic.twitter.com/bTDTfmDijt
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) April 9, 2017
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The ACM also wants the youth league to publish an apology to the Kathrada family.
Spokesperson, Yashica Padia explains why they didn't went straight to court.
"We felt that it was improper to run to court without first exhausting the alternatives. If this does not come by Saturday then our attorneys are being instructed to bring contempt of court proceedings," she said.
ANC provincial spokesperson, Mdumiseni Ntuli says they are addressing the matter and will also apologize to the Kathrada family, if need be.
"The ANC has noted the call for an apology to the family of comrade Kathrada and those affected by the problem that occurred during the memorial service in Durban. As far as we know, the youth league have said in public they regret what happened. As the ANC, we have had a discussion with the youth league, we will now have a discussion with the organisers of the memorial service to find an appropriate way to close this chapter," he said.