African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) president, Collen Malatji, stated that there is a pressing need for revitalisation within both the organisation and the African National Congress (ANC) at large.
This follows the ANCYL's 80th anniversary celebration on Tuesday where former ANCYL leaders shared reflections.
Malatji emphasised that the programme was shaped by his strong belief in the importance of institutional memory, which he sees as vital for preserving the organisation's values and ensuring progress.
"I’m a strong believer of institutional memory,’’ he said.
According to Malatji, the ANC has over the years relied on the Youth League, the South African Students Congress (SASCO), and the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) to develop future leaders.
Malatji expressed worry about the ANC's efficacy being negatively impacted by the decline of this institutional memory.
"My biggest worry, is that the big mistakes we've made in the movement is to allow the removal of the institutional memory of the movement," he said.
Malatji criticised the rise of leaders within the ANC who lack a background in its youth structures, arguing that their unfamiliarity with the organisation's core values has led to actions that are inconsistent with ANC principles.
He noted: "There are many leaders now who can call themselves leaders of the ANC without being from the youth league. When they shock you and do things that are not of the ANC, you get shocked because we undermined the proprietary school of the ANC to produce leaders for the ANC."
Despite acknowledging that not all graduates of this "factory" are ideal leaders, Malatji stressed the importance of maintaining and nurturing these training mechanisms.
He said: "The factory must continue to produce for the ANC," highlighting the need for the Youth League to continue its role in preparing future leaders.
Malatji addressed the current state of the ANC, recognising its diminishing influence and electoral setbacks.
"We are a leader of the youth league at a time where ANC has proven that it has lost hegemony in society," he said.
He expressed concern about the lack of effective responses from ANCYL-trained leaders when the ANC faces crises, emphasising that these individuals are essential for reviving the movement.
A significant part of Malatji's address focused on integrity within the ANC.
He pointed out: "The biggest problem that we need to resolve is the issue of integrity," stressing that the organisation's credibility depends on the integrity of its leaders.
He called for former ANCYL leaders to return and leverage their experience to restore the movement’s integrity.
Malatji criticised the lack of implementation of key resolutions, such as the promised upskilling program for youth.
He questioned, "Post 100 days after the elections, no one knows where that programme is?"—highlighting a broader issue of accountability within the ANC.
Malatji’s reflections at the ANCYL’s 80th anniversary served as a call to action for the ANC to reconnect with its roots, uphold its integrity, and effectively implement its resolutions.
Malatji called for a return to the values and procedures that have historically guided the ANC, stressing the Youth League's crucial role in shaping and safeguarding the organisation's future.
IOL Politics