ANCYL pushes for renewal amid financial, organisational challenges

As hundreds of young delegates gather in Limpopo this week, the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) says its 27th National Congress is about more than leadership contests — it is a chance to restore credibility, unity, and hope for millions of unemployed young South Africans watching closely.

For many, the outcome of this gathering could determine whether the League once again becomes a meaningful voice for youth struggling on the margins of the economy.

– Leadership and Organisational Readiness –

The ANC Youth League has officially kicked off its 27th National Congress, with leadership describing it as a decisive moment for the organisation and the youth it represents.

ANCYL President, Collen Malatji, briefed the media on Monday, explaining that day one focused on registering delegates — a process the League says is critical for ensuring legitimacy, discipline, and democratic participation at the conference.

The four-day event, running from 14 to 17 December, comes at a time when many young South Africans face unemployment, rising living costs, and shrinking opportunities.

 

Malatji confirmed that the congress is properly constituted, with venues, commissions, and deployees in place as the Youth League prepares to elect new leadership and debate policy positions affecting young people in poor and working-class communities.

– Financial Turnaround –

Once burdened by debt and financial mismanagement, the ANCYL says it is heading into the 27th Congress on firmer financial footing.

The League’s leadership insists that, despite years of funding challenges and questions about accountability, it has managed to stabilise its finances — a key test as it prepares to hand over to a new National Executive Committee (NEC).

ANCYL Treasurer-General, Zwelo Masilela, said the 26th NEC inherited a R16-million debt when it took office — a heavy burden for any youth political organisation.

Masilela added that the League has since hosted large-scale rallies, a historic National General Council, and youth programmes — all while maintaining financial stability. Efforts are also underway to revive the League’s investment arm, ensuring organisational independence and sustainability for the incoming NEC.

Despite limited resources, Masilela said the League has successfully carried out major political programmes without returning to unsustainable debt. He noted that financial transparency will be part of the formal handover, with independently audited financial statements already presented — a move aimed at restoring confidence in the League’s leadership.

– Funding Pressures and Operational Challenges –

As the Congress progresses, the ANCYL says financial constraints — rather than internal politics — are threatening the smooth running of its processes.

Malatji dismissed claims of a choreographed and uncontested conference, arguing that chronic underfunding is slowing registration, logistics, and organisational efficiency at a critical moment.

 

He defended the credibility of branch nominations, saying more than 3,000 audited branches have participated in line with organisational guidelines. However, he acknowledged ongoing operational challenges, particularly delays in delegate registration, which he attributed to limited resources.

Despite these challenges, the Youth League says it remains focused on unity, organisational renewal, and mobilising support to help the ANC recover lost electoral ground ahead of future elections.

This morning, ANCYL President, Cde Collen Malatji, briefed members of the media on the state of readiness for the 27th National Congress. Today marks Day One of the Congress, with the Plenary Session set to commence at 12h00 in Limpopo.#ANCYL27thCongress pic.twitter.com/2YaqYpKvyf

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) December 15, 2025

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe