Key Takeaways
- The African National Congress (ANC) has intervened in a leadership dispute within the ANC Youth League (ANCYL)
- The suspensions of ANCYL leader Collen Malatji and secretary-general Mntuwoxolo Ngudle have been declared null and void
- The ANC has expressed confidence in the ANCYL leadership and called for unity ahead of the upcoming elective conference
- The ANCYL has been experiencing internal tensions, including a social media page hack and speculation over leadership positions
- The ANC has commended the ANCYL for resolving its internal issues and demonstrating organisational discipline
Introduction to the ANC Youth League Dispute
The African National Congress (ANC) has stepped in to resolve a heated dispute within the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), the youth wing of the ruling party. The conflict revolved around the suspensions of ANCYL leader Collen Malatji and secretary-general Mntuwoxolo Ngudle, who had both issued suspension letters to each other. The suspensions were reportedly related to disagreements over the preparations for the upcoming elective conference, scheduled to take place from December 14 to 17, 2025, at the University of Limpopo.
The Suspension Saga
According to reports, Ngudle had suspended Malatji for allegedly attempting to isolate him and the league’s treasurer-general from the conference preparations. However, it is not yet clear why Ngudle was suspended. The situation seemed to be spiraling out of control, with both leaders dug in and refusing to back down. The ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, announced on Friday evening that all suspensions were null and void, and that the affected parties had agreed to withdraw their suspension letters. Bhengu also stated that the ANCYL secretary-general would issue a public apology as part of the efforts to restore unity and organisational discipline within the league.
ANC Intervention and Reaction
The ANC’s intervention in the dispute was seen as a welcome move, with the party’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, playing a key role in resolving the issue. The ANC commended the ANCYL for demonstrating organisational discipline, maturity, and unity of purpose in resolving the matter internally and responsibly. The party expressed full confidence in the ANCYL leadership, praising their commitment to championing youth development, advancing the struggles of young people, and contributing to the renewal and reconstruction of the movement. The ANC also called on all ANCYL members and leaders to focus on ensuring the successful convening of the 27th National Congress, which is expected to take place in December.
Internal Tensions and Social Media Wars
The dispute within the ANCYL is not an isolated incident, as the league has been experiencing internal tensions in recent times. The league’s Facebook page was hacked, and misleading information about the upcoming elective conference was posted, sparking speculation that some league members were behind the hack. On the same day, the league’s spokesperson, Zama, was removed from the media WhatsApp group by Ngudle, another sign of the intense infighting within the organisation. Some reports suggest that the battles are over leadership positions at the upcoming youth league conference, which has raised concerns about the league’s ability to unite and move forward.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The ANC’s intervention in the ANCYL dispute has helped to diffuse the tension, at least for the time being. The league’s leadership has been commended for its maturity and unity of purpose in resolving the issue, and the party has expressed confidence in their ability to lead the organisation. However, the internal tensions and social media wars within the ANCYL are a cause for concern, and it remains to be seen whether the league can put its differences aside and unite behind a common purpose. The upcoming elective conference will be a crucial test of the league’s ability to come together and chart a new course, and the ANC will be watching closely to ensure that the youth wing of the party remains a vital and effective force in South African politics.