The ANC Youth League has issued a strong warning to the party’s leadership, accusing it of losing touch with the people and becoming a symbol of corruption, empty promises, and poor service delivery.
Speaking at a recent event in East London, Youth League President Collen Malatji did not hold back. He said the ANC’s reputation had deteriorated to such an extent that the public no longer believed anything the party said.
“No matter how true the message is, if the integrity of the messenger is in question, no one will believe it,” he told attendees, which included party members and community leaders.
Malatji emphasized that the ANC’s credibility crisis was not just political but deeply moral. He warned that continued deployment of leaders known for unethical behavior was eroding public trust. “If someone is known in their village as a criminal, no one will trust them to fight crime — no matter what title we give them.”
The Youth League’s sharp critique comes amid rising tensions within the party, including ongoing internal power struggles and accusations of gatekeeping in local branches. These divisions have added to the public’s growing frustration, especially in provinces where service delivery has collapsed.
Malatji said the time for blind loyalty had passed. “The people of South Africa have made it clear — they can remove us from power at any time. They love us, but they’re demanding accountability.”
With upcoming elections and growing pressure for internal reform, the message from the Youth League is clear: slogans are no longer enough. What’s needed now is honesty, integrity, and genuine change.