‘Pensioners are killing the ANC’: Malatji calls for older leaders to make way for youth

ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malatji has urged veteran African National Congress (ANC) politicians to relinquish leadership roles, allowing younger members to steer the party's direction. This call came after ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe's departure from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) 15th National Congress in Kempton Park on October 12th, in protest over speaker scheduling.

Malatji criticized Mantashe during a campaign trail in the Eastern Cape, accusing the veteran politician of forgetting that he represented the ANC's interests during the gathering. He also expressed concern that the incident could reinforce negative perceptions of the ANC being arrogant. Malatji further suggested that the departure of older leaders would create space for younger members to assume leadership positions within the organization.

He emphasized that despite the party's history and legacy, it could overcome its current hurdles, even without the influence of older leaders. Mantashe's walkout from the Cosatu conference followed his intent to refrain from seeking another leadership position upon the conclusion of his current term. In response, Malatji called upon young ANC members to take action if older leaders did not voluntarily step down.