Cape Town – The newly elected leader of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), Collen Malatji, has taken a swipe at Julius Malema, claiming that the EFF leader was fired from the ruling party for ill-discipline.
Malatji made these remarks during a media briefing at Luthuli House on Monday, following the youth league’s congress.
He criticised Malema, who was previously a leader of the ANCYL, for wanting to create a youth league that resembled a cult organisation like the EFF.
“Malema was fired for economic freedom? That’s not true, that’s a lie that must be clarified. He was fired for ill-discipline. He was fired for contravening the constitution of the ANC and the youth league.
“He wanted to create a youth league to be a cult organisation that belongs to him like the EFF. In the EFF, no matter how educated you are, you can’t even speak. Educated doctors who you see they run around with water everywhere,” Malatji said.
[WATCH] Collen Malatji says Julius Malema was fired from the ANC for ill-discipline. “He wanted to create a Youth League that is a cult organisation that belongs to him like the EFF. In the EFF, no matter how educated you are, you can’t even speak.”#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/MS20skPGGC
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 3, 2023
He also leveled accusations against Malema, alleging his desire to transform the ANCYL into a cult that he personally owned, similar to his control over his own political party.
Malatji claimed that members of the EFF did not have a say in organisational processes, saying only Malema called the shots.
He said that the ANC allowed members to express their views.
“Here in the ANC you are allowed to bring your books, that is why we have policy conferences, meetings and even went further during the local government elections to open for our candidates to our communities,” he said.
Malatji also said that the ANCYL will not accept less than 50% of young people in Parliament and legislatures, adding that Parliament is not a retirement village.
“The days of young people being moved out of corridors of power are over,” he said.
[WATCH] Collen Malatji says they will not accept less than 50% of young people in Parliament and legislature(s), adding that Parliament is not a retirement village. “The days of young people being moved out of corridors of power are over.”#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/NL4lWlR4lv
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 3, 2023
Malatji was elected as the new president of the ANCYL in Ekurhuleni over the weekend.
He was the only candidate to receive enough support through branch nominations and was elected unopposed.
The election took place at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday, with over 2 000 delegates in attendance.
Speaking after his election, Malatji said he aimed to revive the ANC Youth League and focus on restructuring the economy.
“I want to be known for being a president of the youth league that’s worked very hard to restructure the economy. I am a very principled cadre, when I say I am going to implement something I will, I don’t change along the way,”
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Picture: Twitter/@Collen_Malatji3
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
