Johannesburg - The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) goes to this
week’s congress after allegedly leaving a trail of debt that has left a
printing firm, businesses in the accommodation sector and a pub owed at least
R800 000 after its last conference three years ago.
The guesthouses were allegedly unpaid when the youth
league hosted the second leg of its congress at Nasrec, Soweto in 2008.
The first leg of the congress, which saw youth league
president Julius Malema being voted into his current position, had been
disrupted in Mangaung, Free State.
Dudu Mngomezulu-Hlatshwayo, spokesperson for the unpaid
guesthouses, said the league owed B&Bs R250 000 for accommodation that was
offered by about 60 guesthouses in Orlando West and East, Zuurbekom, Dube,
Diepkloof extension, Mondeor and Naturena.
She said each guesthouse accommodated a different number of
people and charged R400 per person per night.
Mngomezulu-Hlatshwayo’s B&B was owed R10 000 and that
the guesthouses even went the extra mile in supplying the delegates with free
food.
She said a consultant had sought legal opinion on the
matter, but was advised to drop it.
This Thursday, about 700 delegates are expected to attend
the youth league’s 24th conference at Gallagher Estate, and guesthouses and
hotels in Midrand are expected to swell with bookings.
The league’s treasurer, Pule Mabe, said the ANCYL had
settled the debt and the allegations were being resurrected because the league
was holding elections this week.
“What is your interest in the story? That story is long
dead,” said Mabe. “We sorted out those people in 2008,” he said.
Mabe, however, declined to provide proof of payment.
“The youth league doesn’t have to prove anything to the
media. I am just answering your questions as a courtesy,” he said.
He said if the owners of the guesthouses were not paid, they should have taken action against the youth league.
“Why have they not taken legal action against the youth
league or come to Luthuli House to lay a complaint?” asked Mabe.
The youth league has also not paid R490 300 to Benoni-based Taj Printers for printing flyers, banners, posters, booklets and programmes between 2008 and 2009.
Political fallout
Taj Printers’ attorney Daryll Ackerman told City Press
Business this week that the company took the youth league to court last April
and won. According to Ackerman, the sheriff has not effected the judgment to
attach the possessions of the youth league, ostensibly because he is scared of
the political fallout.
During the 2008 congress, the youth league also failed to
settle a bill of R50 000 at a township pub.
“My business nearly collapsed after the youth league failed
to pay me the R50 000,” said Meli Morewane, owner of Meli’s, a pub in Pimville
near Maponya Mall.
Morewane said he went to the ANC’s Luthuli House, the ANC’s
headquarters in Johannesburg, to try to recover his money.
“I went to Luthuli House many times, but I was sent from
pillar to post until I decided to give up. I have made peace with the matter
and I don’t want to pursue it any longer,” he said.
Morewane said he had barred the youth league from making
bookings at his pub.
“The youth league is no longer welcome here as a group. If
people want to come here, they can come as individuals who will pay cash for
their drinks,” he said.
He said during last month’s municipal elections, he declined
an offer from ANC members who wanted to book his pub.
Flossis B&B boss Florence Mondi said she was owed R3
500.
“The youth league is immoral and I can’t believe that the
ANC has not acted on this issue because the ruling party has branded itself as
a champion for small businesses,” said Mondi.
Jane Lebelo of Mookho’s B&B said she was still owed R1
500. She was incensed to hear that the youth league had decided to hold its
conference at Gallagher Estate before they could settle the debt.
“Instead of hosting the conference in Soweto and paying the
money what they owe us, the league is giving business to guesthouses in
suburbs,” she said.
Nombeko Rwaxa, who owns the Zizwe Guesthouse, said the youth league incident had taught her a lesson.
“I have learned to request payment upfront, especially when
dealing with groups.”
South African Liquor Tourism and Hospitality Association
secretary general Monga Phaladi advised B&Bs and liquor outlets to ask for
cash or credit card payments upfront.
“Patrons must also learn to respect entrepreneurs and their
businesses. These entrepreneurs are making a living from their enterprises,”
said Phaladi.