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Johannesburg - The ANC Youth League's long-awaited national congress will get under way in Midrand on Friday, more than two years after its leadership structures were disbanded.
The three-day congress will, among other things, elect new leaders.
The ANCYL has not had a president since its leadership structures were disbanded by the ANC in 2013.
The congress was initially meant to be held in December last year but at the last minute it was converted to a consultative congress leaving many members disappointed.
It was then scheduled to be held in June but again had to be postponed.
Some ANCYL members said this was because of interference by some senior ANC leaders. However, national task team co-ordinator Nathi Mthethwa at the time said it was because not all branches had managed to hold their branch general meetings.
Last-minute court interdict
The congress was almost delayed again on Thursday when a group of ANCYL North West members tried to interdict the congress.
They alleged that there were unresolved disputes relating to the exclusion of delegates.
They lodged an urgent application in the High Court in Pretoria.
However, Judge Moses Mavundla on Thursday evening ruled that the matter was not urgent and dismissed the application.
The run-up to the ANCYL national congress has been marred by claims of irregular auditing processes and allegations of interference from top structures within the ruling party.
It was alleged that presidential candidate, North West chairperson Collen Maine, was being imposed on ANCYL members by the so-called "premier league" of top ANC leaders.
Maine has been nominated by the majority of the provincial general councils.
Other presidential hopefuls were former league treasurer Pule Mabe, former deputy president Ronald Lamola and Tshwane regional chairperson Lesego Makhubela.
More than 3 000 delegates are expected to attend the congress.
President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the congress.
