The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has not enjoyed much prominence on the local political scene in Eldorado Park.

This is something newly elected ANCYL chairman, Finley Watson (35) wishes to alter as he assumes chairmanship of the organisation as of February 22.

Watson’s election is taking place at a time when Eldorado Park youth are a largely forgotten group. With many perceiving millennials to be fixated on instant gratification having little to no interest in party politics or making a tangible difference in the community.

When asked which issues lie close to his heart, Watson said, “I would like to bring the National Youth Development Agency back to Ward 18 so that it can help with job creation, skills development and achieving economic freedom in our lifetime.”

“We need to introduce interventions like political studies in order for the youth to become skilled in that area with a better understanding of the political dynamics in the South African context.”

Watson cites having witnessed the loss of many young lives through drugs and crime as a major factor in his decision to becoming an active community leader. He has established a sports club (Juventus Sports Club), which he hopes will attract youths through active participation in different sporting codes.

“Youth participation in sport is crucial if we hope to positively touch lives and provide alternatives to the rampant crime and drug use prevalent in our communities,” said Watson.

Having spent the past four years as an active African National Congress member, Watson has demonstrated that he is not afraid of getting dirty and is also a member of the Local Drug Action Committee and the Community Policing Forum.

Finley Watson can be heard in the audio clip below, explaining what having him at the helm of the Eldorado Park ANCYL heralds for the youth.