The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector, calling for an investigation into ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Treasurer-General Zwelo Masilela.
The request, submitted on February 27, 2025, by EFF Youth Command Leader and MP Sihle Lonzi, questions Masilela’s employment history and hiring process.
At the center of the complaint is Masilela’s tenure as a senior researcher at Mbombela Local Municipality from 2016 to 2023, allegedly without the necessary qualifications until 2021.
The EFF, acting on instructions from leader Julius Malema, alleges maladministration and misuse of public funds, claiming Masilela was appointed without applying for the role and was paid despite lacking required credentials.
The ANCYL has dismissed the allegations as a political attack. Its president, Collen Malatji, defended Masilela, arguing that such hiring practices are common in political offices and that Masilela was transparent about his background during his candidacy for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board.
The Public Protector is expected to review the matter.
