By Johnathan Paoli
Collen Malatji has been re-elected unopposed as president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) at the organisation’s 27th National Congress, held in Polokwane, Limpopo.
All six members of the league’s Top Six leadership were elected unopposed in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The ANCYL confirmed that the elections concluded shortly after midnight, marking a decisive outcome for the incumbent leadership.
At the centre of the new leadership configuration is Malatji’s uncontested return as president, a development that has attracted attention within political circles.
Malatji, who has led the youth formation through a period of internal rebuilding and renewed political relevance, retained the presidency without facing any challenges from the floor.
Joining him in the Top Six is Francisco Dyantyi from the Eastern Cape, who was elected deputy president.
Tsakani Tshivhiti of Limpopo was elected secretary-general, placing her in charge of the league’s administration and organisational machinery.
She will be supported by Zama Khanyase from KwaZulu-Natal, elected as first deputy secretary-general, and Venus Blennies-Magape from the Northern Cape, who takes up the position of second deputy secretary-general.
Jacob Tau from Mpumalanga was elected treasurer-general, responsible for overseeing the league’s finances.
Like Malatji, all the national officials were elected unopposed.
In a social media post congratulating the newly elected leadership, the ANCYL said the outcome reflected organisational unity following years of instability and leadership disputes that previously led to the league’s disbandment and subsequent reconstitution.
The league described the result as a mandate for continuity and consolidation, particularly as the ANC prepares for future electoral contests and internal policy debates.
However, Malatji’s uncontested re-election has raised eyebrows, with some observers questioning the level of internal competition at the congress.
Reports ahead of the gathering had suggested that Malatji and his slate were set for a clean sweep, with no alternative candidates emerging to challenge the incumbent leadership.
Addressing these concerns in previous media engagements, Malatji has insisted that the ANCYL remains committed to democratic principles.
He said the organisation encourages contestation and that he was prepared to be challenged, including from the floor of the conference.
According to Malatji, the absence of challengers should be viewed as a vote of confidence in the current leadership rather than evidence of weakened internal democracy.
The congress comes at a critical moment for the youth league, which has positioned itself as a vocal force within the ANC on issues such as youth unemployment, economic transformation, access to education and land reform.
The newly elected leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the youth voice within broader ANC policy debates and in mobilising young people ahead of upcoming local government and national elections.
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