Collen Malatji, is the newly elected president of the ANC Youth League, after being elected uncontested at the Nasrec Expo Centre, south of Johannesburg on Saturday.
The ANC Youth League has been without an elected structure following it’s disbandment by the ANC National Executive Committee a few years ago during the presidency of Collen Maine, the league’s former leader.
Phumzile Mgcina was elected as the deputy president of the ANC Youth League, while Mntuwoxolo Ngudle became the secretary-general. Tskani Shiviti and Olga Seate were appointed as the first and second deputy secretaries-general, respectively. Zwelo Masilela assumed the position of treasurer general of the youth league.
It had been nearly eight years since the youth league held internal elections, and Collen Malatji had long been anticipated as the next leader. His name had been proposed for the role as early as 2018.
In recent months, Malatji had served as the deputy national coordinator of the ANC Youth League’s national task team. Although some within the league have criticized him for being arrogant and troublesome, his instrumental role in the rise of Fikile Mbalula as the secretary-general in 2022 has gained him the support of several elder members within the ANC. They believe he can spearhead efforts to revitalize the once influential league.
Often described as a fiery and passionate leader, Malatji has drawn comparisons to former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, who currently leads the Economic Freedom Fighters party, as well as the late Peter Mokaba.
Malatji embarked on his political journey at the age of 13 when he joined the ANC-aligned Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in Tembisa. Eventually, he rose to the position of president within the organization. In 2019, he was elected as the youngest member of the National Assembly by the ruling party, where he represented them during the sixth administration. He holds qualifications from the University of Johannesburg and is currently pursuing further studies at the University of Witwatersrand.
With great determination, Malatji believes that his time has come to make a significant impact. He considers himself to possess the necessary mindset and skills to revive an organization that was once known as the young lions of the ANC.
“My goal as the president of the youth league is to work tirelessly towards restructuring the economy. I am a principled cadre, and once I commit to implementing something, I remain steadfast and do not waver,” expressed Malatji confidently.
