The ANC Youth League national conference held at the Nasrec Expo Centre this weekend was a departure from its vibrant and lively tradition.
The usually bustling streets surrounding the venue resembled a ghost town, and the absence of hawkers selling ANC merchandise raised questions about the underlying causes.
The lack of police presence also raised concern about the safety of attendees. Only a few police vehicles were spotted, and many cars at the conference venue were left unguarded, creating an uneasy atmosphere.
Fortunately, there were no reports of crime reported since the conference got under way on Friday, but the absence of security was still noticeable.
The subdued and unenergetic demeanour of the delegates, assumed to be young people, was concerning. The atmosphere was dull and lacked the usual enthusiasm associated with political conferences. Something was amiss, leaving observers puzzled.
Curiosity grew among the delegates, particularly those who had travelled long distances from places like East London in Eastern Cape, Qwaqwa in Free State, and Venda in Limpopo.
The scarcity of stalls and the absence of hawkers selling ANC merchandise prompted further questions about the reasons behind their none attendance. Some speculated that economic factors or shifts in business strategies could be at play.
Others pointed to the need for the ANC to re-evaluate its approach to engaging small businesses and creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurial activity during its conferences.
Lilian Makhafola from North West underscored the importance of the ANC to address the situation promptly.
“The ANC needs to fix its house and lure people to keep on supporting the organisation as what is happening in Nasrec this week is a nightmare,” she said.
“We are used to the ANC that brings people together, but since I arrived here, I see nothing but pain.
“How was it possible for the conference failing to attract small businesses to come and sell their products? Clearly, something is wrong.”
While the quietude outside Nasrec may not have directly affected the conference proceedings, it served as a reminder of the challenges and changes the ANC must navigate as it strives to maintain its relevance and support among the people.
Overall, this year’s ANC Youth League conference was lacklustre and far from the usual vibrant affair.
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