"It is our wish that the delegates at the workers' parliament will be fearless in their resolve to craft policy that will decisively shift the balance of forces away from the exploitative and oppressive system...," the ANCYL said in a statement.

It said it shared the Congress of SA Trade Union's (Cosatu) disappointment about what had happened since the ANC's 2007 national congress in Polokwane.

"We have yet to see the change we jointly envisioned. Instead, we are faced with the emergence of a new predatory elite determined to enrich itself at the expense of a coherent political project underpinned by strong and decisive leadership."

The ANCYL wished Cosatu well during its four-day conference being held in Midrand, Johannesburg.

It supported Cosatu's "principled stance" and called on delegates to reject attempts to create a two-tier labour market, as was proposed by the youth wage subsidy.

"Young people want decent work and not tax incentives to business [which] are neither sustainable nor desirable," it said.

During the conference Cosatu will elect new leaders. Its general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi will stand for another term.

The ANCYL said it hoped Cosatu delegates would vote without fear or favour and would elect leaders who would rise to the challenges.