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Chaos at YCL congress

11 December | 21:11

Police were called to restore order at the National Congress of the Young Communist League (YCL) on Saturday when chaos broke out between delegates, SABC news reported.

The league was split between those who supported the current national secretary Buti Manamela and those who supported his deputy Khayelihle Nkwanyan.

Those supporting Nkwanyan were complaining that the leadership had "forced" them to amend the leagues constitution to allow Manamela to be re-elected.

Reports said delegates started throwing water bottles at their counterparts during a closed session at the congress.

The media were asked to leave the venue as the situation worsened.

YCL national spokeswoman Gugu Ndima told the SABC that it was an "unfortunate incident" but it was being sorted out.

She said the congress would proceed with nominations for the position of national secretary and elections would take place.

Delegates who were opposed to the constitutional changes said they would continue to disrupt the congress.

The YCL was holding its 3rd National Congress at the University of the North West in Mafikeng over the weekend. - Sapa

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