Lid lifted on the NEC’s chocolate club
Deputy President of the country Kgalema Motlanthe greets outgoing secretary general of the ANCYL Vuyiswa Tulelo (left) at the Business Lounge during the league's 24th congress held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand this morning. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu Deputy President of the country Kgalema Motlanthe greets outgoing secretary general of the ANCYL Vuyiswa Tulelo (left) at the Business Lounge during the league's 24th congress held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand this morning. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu
ANDISIWE MAKINANA
OUTGOING ANC Youth League secretary-general Vuyiswa Tulelo revealed her sweet tooth, and those of a few senior ANC leaders, while bidding farewell on Friday.
Tulelo is leaving the league because she has reached the 35-year age limit for membership.
Wrapping up the league’s organisational report, she thanked several people, including her parents, comrades and “the chocolate club” – made up of women in the national executive committee (NEC).
“To the leadership of the ANC for making it difficult to lead, but fun to learn; the chocolate club in the NEC of the ANC, (Premier of Gauteng) Nomvula Mokonyane, (Social Development Minister) Bathabile Dlamini, (Deputy Minister in the Presidency) Dina Pule, (International Relations and Co-operation Minister) Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, (Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister) Ayanda Dlodlo and (Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry) Thandi Tobias-Pokolo for showing me that growing up does not have to be boring,” she said.
Tobias-Pokolo explained the chocolate club to The Star last night.
“During NEC meetings, the mentioned members would sit together and munch on stuff. I’d drag her (Tulelo) to sit with us ‘older women’.”
Club members, however, don’t just eat chocolate; they also discuss and lobby on women issues.
Tulelo will now be a full-time member of the ANC.