The ANC Youth League is facing serious internal turmoil as its top leaders, president Collen Malatji and secretary-general (SG) Mntuwoxolo Ngudle, are locked in a bitter power struggle. The situation has escalated dramatically, with each official now claiming to have suspended the other.
Ngudle Suspends Malatji: Accusations of Misconduct
On Thursday night, a letter from Ngudle announced Malatji's suspension, citing the president's alleged convening of a parallel league meeting and misleading the structure regarding the president's role. According to the letter, which TimesLIVE has obtained, Malatji is accused of excluding the secretary-general and treasurer-general from preparations for the 27th national congress, a task mandated by the national general council (NGC).
Conflicting Meetings and Allegations of Sabotage
This week saw the circulation of two separate meeting invitations to national executive committee members, one issued by Malatji and the other by Ngudle, highlighting the deep divisions within the League. Malatji reportedly proceeded with his meeting, allegedly distributing pre-conference materials that Ngudle subsequently ordered to be retracted due to lack of authorization.
Ngudle accuses Malatji of fostering division and sabotaging the League's activities, stating that the president's actions “creates division within its ranks, impedes its proper functioning, and commits other acts calculated to undermine the effectiveness of the organisation.”
Malatji's Alleged 'Precautionary Suspension' of Ngudle
Sources suggest that Ngudle's decision to suspend Malatji was triggered by Malatji's closing remarks at a prior meeting, where he purportedly announced Ngudle's placement under “precautionary suspension.”
The ANC Youth League has been plagued by factionalism, with shifting allegiances and internal conflicts threatening the organisation's stability ahead of the NGC. The escalating tensions have fueled calls for an early conference, a sentiment reflected in the NGC's decision to hold elections for its leadership in Limpopo in December. The infighting raises serious questions about the future direction and effectiveness of the ANC Youth League.