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Inside the ANCYL Showdown as Malatji Rises Above Ngudle’s Failed Suspension
A sense of calm often comes before a political storm in South Africa, and the ANC Youth League finds itself in exactly that moment. Days before delegates gather in Polokwane for the league’s national congress, President Collen Malatji has been working hard to project unity. This comes after an extraordinary attempt by Secretary General Mntuwoxolo Ngudle to suspend him last month, a move that created visible tension inside the organisation.
A Rift That the Public Watched Closely
Standing at the ANC National General Council meeting in Ekurhuleni, Malatji spoke with the confidence of someone who believes the turbulence is behind him. He insisted that relations with Ngudle had stabilised and that the two were working together again. His message was simple. They addressed their issues, the apology was made, and the Youth League was moving forward.
What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
While Malatji maintains that no major intervention was needed, the broader picture tells a more layered story. Shortly after Ngudle issued the suspension letter, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula called an urgent meeting with Youth League NEC members. The intention was to calm the waters and prevent the matter from escalating further.
Following that meeting, Ngudle released a public apology on 21 November. It was a clear reversal that signalled he had overstepped. His original suspension letter accused Malatji of convening unauthorised meetings, misleading structures, and sidelining key office bearers during preparations for the national congress. Those allegations, according to the NEC, were unfounded.
The source material indicates that Ngudle acted out of concern that he would be removed from his position at the upcoming congress. Both he and Treasurer General Zwelo Masilela will no longer qualify for Youth League leadership once they exceed the age limit of 35. Malatji, who is 32, is expected to secure a second term without major competition.
A Leadership Reset on the Horizon
The NEC did not take Ngudle’s actions lightly. In fact, the Youth League revealed that it had initially resolved to suspend him for misconduct. That decision was softened only after Mbalula’s intervention, on the condition that he apologise publicly. The NEC was firm. Any repeat of such behaviour would trigger an automatic suspension.
Despite all of this, Malatji insists the pair have put the matter behind them. He says they are now organising the congress together and that preparations are running smoothly. Whether this unity will last once voting begins is something only delegates can determine.
All Eyes on Polokwane
The ANCYL’s twenty-seventh National Congress takes place in Polokwane from 14 to 17 December. It arrives at a pivotal moment for the organisation as it prepares to elect new leadership and address ongoing structural matters.
For many young South Africans, the leadership elected in Polokwane will signal the direction the Youth League intends to take in the coming years. The power clash may have calmed for now, but its shadow still stretches over the Congress floor. What happens this weekend will determine whether the Youth League steps into a new era with unity or emerges with fresh fractures.
Also read: SACP Breakaway Stuns ANC as Ramathuba Calls It a Sad Turning Point
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Central News South Africa
