Johannesburg - ANC veteran
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela called for a revision of South Africa's land reform policies after making a surprise appearance at the youth league conference in Johannesburg on Sunday.
"It (land reform) has failed and needs to be revisited," she told delegates, referring to the willing buyer, willing seller land policy.
The African National Congress Youth League was expected to pass a resolution on land reform on Sunday, the fourth and last day of its 24th conference at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
The league wants to push for land expropriation without compensation.
Madikizela-Mandela addressed the delegates after making an unannounced visit.
"I came here to congratulate my children," she said.
Madikizela-Mandela likened youth leader
Julius Malema, who was re-elected on Friday, and Gauteng sports MEC and league chairperson
Lebogang Maile to ANC icons
Nelson Mandela and
Oliver Tambo.
Maile declined a nomination to challenge Malema after he failed to secure enough support.
Madikizela-Mandela, who heaped praise on the youth leaders, said she hoped Malema and Maile would maintain the friendship they had displayed at the conference.
"You have proved the prophets of doom wrong who predicted a chaotic congress," she said.