ANCYL’s Malatji tells Ramaphosa to remove DA ministers, says EFF must ‘warm up and behave’

ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) from the Cabinet, asserting that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) must "start warming up and behaving" if they wish to join the Government of National Unity (GNU). This call came during a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, following tensions between the ANC and the DA over the Constitutional Court's decision to reinstate 181 candidates excluded from the ballot for the November 4 local government elections.

Malatji explained that the ANCYL had initially hoped that collaborating with the DA, South Africa's second-largest political party, would bring stability to the GNU. However, he acknowledged that when mistakes are made, one must acknowledge them. He accused the DA of perpetuating instability within the GNU and advancing a racist agenda that is funded by certain companies.

Among other issues, Malatji criticized Capitec Bank for its political donations to the DA, accusing the bank of being "anti-black" and opposed to broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE). While Capitec founder Michiel Le Roux has denied these allegations, stating that his companies, Fynbos Ekwiteit and Fynbos Kapital, made the donations, Malatji stands by his claims.

Ramaphosa was then urged to remove all DA ministers and initiate discussions with other political parties regarding the GNU's composition. Malatji suggested that the EFF could be included should its leadership demonstrate more maturity. He labeled the EFF as "mainly led by childish people" and criticized the DA's leadership, questioning its political identity and accusing the party of undermining black leadership.

The ANC finds itself increasingly challenged by communities over its decision to cooperate with the DA, which Malatji characterized as a right-wing organization. He emphasized that there is a clear demand for the DA to be removed, and new ministers who adhere to the democratic constitution must be appointed.