’The DA can’t be better than the ANC’: Malatjie

ANC Youth League President, Collen Malatjie, has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial remarks praising DA-run municipalities, saying his comments were taken out of context.

Speaking at a briefing on Friday, on the resolutions of the organisation’s recent National General Council, Malatjie said Ramaphosa’s intention was misinterpreted.

Ramaphosa sparked debate earlier this week when he told ANC councillors gathered at FNB Stadium in Soweto that DA-led municipalities often perform better than those governed by the ANC. His remarks came amid growing frustration over service delivery failures nationwide.

“The President has clarified his comment. He was taken out of context. There is no way the DA can be better than the ANC and he also knows it,” Malatjie emphasised.

“A clean audit is important, but does not capture the lived experience of people”

– ANC President, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa on why DA is misplaced on his governance statement. #LeadUsRamaphosa #LocalGovernmentStability pic.twitter.com/7oQ1syEuT8

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) September 19, 2025

Malatjie also addressed corruption within the ANC, warning that implicated officials must step aside and face consequences without the party’s protection.

“We don’t send you to go and steal. The country and the ANC can no longer afford for the party to be associated with corruption. Even if you believe that you are innocent, you will unfortunately have to face the music,” he said.

Responding to allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission that some ANC officials are implicated in wrongdoing, Malatjie said the party must draw a line.

“We are not going to associate ourselves with criminals. If you are in the Madlanga Commission and there is proof that you have done criminal activities, you are not our comrade; you don’t deserve to have the ANC’s membership,” Malatjie stressed.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao