ANCYL Challenges Narrative on Electoral Decline
African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President Collen Malatji stated that the party’s poor performance in the 2026 Local Government Elections should not be blamed solely on its current leadership. Malatji argued that the ANC brand has been damaged over the years, extending beyond the tenure of the present administration.
The ANCYL addressed the media on the outcomes of the 2026 Local Government Elections on November 11, 2026. In a statement posted to its official X account (@ANCYLhq) on November 10, 2026, Malatji responded directly to remarks made by former ANC President Thabo Mbeki.
Mbeki had suggested that if reports were true that President Cyril Ramaphosa had offered to resign following the election outcome, it would be the right thing to do. These comments were made during an interview on Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s podcast.
Accountability Extends to 'Old Guard'
Malatji maintained that accountability for the ANC's decline must extend to both the current National Executive Committee (NEC) and the "old guard." He stated that Mbeki himself was part of the leadership under which some of the problems contributing to the ANC’s decline emerged, long before the current leadership took office.
The ANCYL president argued that those who contributed to the decline cannot lead the movement’s renewal. Malatji said the "old guard" must take more accountability because they participated in damaging the brand. He urged them to stop pointing fingers at each other and take full responsibility.
Malatji emphasized that collective accountability is required, particularly from those who contributed to damaging the ANC’s image. This includes members of the current NEC and those who failed to campaign during the elections.
Historical Context of Leadership Failures
Malatji pointed to specific historical periods when discussing the roots of the party's challenges. He noted that former ANC President Thabo Mbeki was part of the leadership under which problems contributing to the ANC’s decline emerged, long before the current leadership took office.
This assertion places the blame for the brand damage on earlier eras of governance and party management. Malatji argued that the "old guard," including figures from previous administrations, must take more accountability because they participated in damaging the brand.
Demands for Collective Responsibility
The ANCYL president called for a broader scope of responsibility within the party structure. Malatji said the ANC leadership should consider taking responsibility for the party’s electoral decline and that collective accountability is required, particularly from those who contributed to damaging the ANC’s image.
He stressed that accountability must extend to the current NEC and the "old guard," including those who failed to campaign. Malatji argued that those who contributed to the decline cannot lead the movement’s renewal, citing the need for accountability from all parties involved in the damage to the party's image.
The call for responsibility was framed as a necessary step for any future renewal efforts. Malatji urged the "old guard" to stop pointing fingers at each other and take full responsibility for their roles in the party's current state.