By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula met with the youth league NEC amid chaos that erupted within its leadership.
The meeting is part of strengthening organisational unity, advancing the programme of rebuilding and renewal.
Mbalula reaffirmed the central role of the ANCYL as the preparatory political school of the ANC and the broader Congress Movement.
The meeting comes after president Collen Malatji and secretary-general (SG) Mntuwoxolo Ngudle — have turned on each other.
Fullview understands Malatji and Ngudle have been clashing over the planning of the upcoming 27th congress of the ANCYL, and tensions between the two have been brewing for months.
Malatji admitted there was a difference of opinion on the coming conference, but said it was “not a serious thing.”
ANCYL National Spokesperson Zama Khanyase said that no one has been suspended yet, but added that the ANCYL is convening an urgent meeting to discuss the matter today.
This is after a letter, signed by Ngudle, was published, claiming that Malatji has been suspended due to misconduct.
The letter was sent to the structures of the league this morning and has been leaked on social media.
According to the SG’s letter, the President has been suspended with immediate effect, pending an investigation. The reasons for his suspension, cited in the letter, include unilaterally convening a parallel meeting of the ANCYL.
The letter further accused Malatji of having “misled all our structures in terms of the role of the president.”
He was also criticised for excluding Ngudle and the Treasury general in preparations for the upcoming 27th Congress, set to take place from 14 to 17 December.
Several provinces have been endorsing Malatji to be elected for a second term during the December elective congress. Ngudle, after turning 35 this month, will age out of the ANCYL at the coming congress.
Mbalula expressed full confidence in the ANCYL leadership as they continue to play a decisive role in championing youth development, advancing the struggles of young people, and contributing to the renewal and reconstruction of the movement.