President Julius Malema is a true, capable and caring leader ...
"There is no other youth political organisation in the world, which has as much influence on development, justice and redress as the ANC Youth League," ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu said in a statement.
"Opposition parties will of course be jealous and object to compliments on (sic) the ANC Youth League president because they do not have vibrant youth formations," he said.
His explanation came in the wake of an article in The Star newspaper which reported that President Jacob Zuma described leader Julius Malema at the weekend as a "leader in the making" and worthy of "inheriting the ANC".
Zuma's comments were criticised by the Democratic Alliance's Youth League who said endorsing Malema as worthy of "inheriting the ANC" was like saying "Goebbels was a romantic poet", referring to Joseph Goebbels, who was German dictator Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister.
The Christian Democratic Alliance called on Zuma to retract his remarks, saying "crowning Malema as crown prince, will do incredible harm to South Africa's international image".
However, on Tuesday, the ANCYL shot back saying it "totally agree[d]" with Zuma's praise of Malema.
"President Julius Malema is a true, capable and caring leader of the youth of South Africa and no one will stop us from appreciating his capable leadership."
On Tuesday, the ANC said the DA's youth league criticism was "ill-informed" and smacked of "political opportunism".
The party said Zuma's remarks about Malema were "historically correct" in keeping with a culture of leadership development within the party.
"Malema... like any other member of the ANC, who has been schooled in the politics of the organisation, can assume any leadership position within the ANC if elected."
Citing the example of African National Congress leaders such as Anton Lembede, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and AP Mda, the ANC said its youth division had long produced "leaders of distinction".
The party said more recently, Peter Mokaba, Malusi Gigaba and Fikile Mbalula had all become members of the party's national executive committee.
"We have no doubt in our minds that Comrade Julius Malema can follow in the footsteps of such leaders."
The Youth League's Shivambu said Malema did "not pay lip service" to caring for the "poor and downtrodden".
"He has contributed to the studies of many poor children, built houses for poor families, helped orphanages with basic needs, and provided teaching and learning support materials to many schools across the country."
Calling the league, " the most formidable youth political organisation, not only in South Africa, but also in the entire continent and the world", Shivambu said its "fearlessness, vibrancy and unmitigated focus to development" set it apart.
"The ANC Youth League continues to inspire hope to many South Africans."
Zuma made headlines when he sang Malema's praises in Limpopo on Sunday.
"Some of us are no longer young, and when we go across the mountain in terms of age, we are happy that when we go on, the organisation will remain in real hands of [those] who will think about the people," Zuma reportedly said.
"The ANC recognises talent and leadership and we give people an opportunity.
"Julius has illustrated that he is indeed a good leader and that he understands the people," said Zuma.
He was speaking in Malema's hometown of Seshego, where the youth league leader had helped to build a house and a church.
Zuma asked the congregation to pray for Malema "not to falter along the way, because here you have a leader in the making".
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