‘He’s my younger brother’: ANC’s Tlangi Mogale hits back at ‘sexualised’ video with Collen Malatji at his wedding

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandTshwane roads and transport MMC Tlangi Mogale. Picture: Tlangi Mogale/Instagram Story audio is generated using AI

Tshwane roads and transport MMC Tlangi Mogale has addressed a viral video of herself with ANC Youth League leader Collen Malatji congratulating her fellow comrade for tying the knot with his long-time partner Tsholofelo Sekete.

In the video, which Mogale posted on TikTok before deleting, the two appeared in a celebratory mood, hugging as Malatji gave Mogale a peck on the cheek. The video was originally captioned: “Congratulations my friend, on your matrimonial union with our beautiful makoti.”

Tjo🕊️ https://t.co/OiepK1Cgt2 pic.twitter.com/6sjT4PRDX6

The clip quickly gained traction on social media, with several users suggesting the interaction was sexual and deeming it inappropriate. Others went further, labelling Mogale an “ANC stocko/slay queen” and alleging she secured her political position solely through her looks.

Taking to X, Mogale dismissed the online backlash, explaining that she views Malatji and his wife as her younger siblings.

“Collen is literally my younger brother, whom I have known, grown up with, and politicked alongside for more than 20 years,” Mogale wrote. “I have fought with him so many times and differed politically; we literally contested each other for the ANCYL presidency, and we’ve aligned and realigned over the years. His wife, Tsholo, is just as much a younger sister to me, which makes these posts so unfortunate.”

While acknowledging that the video could have been captured differently given the nature of the event, Mogale maintained that “the couple is literally my own family”.

Mogale was among several high-profile political figures who attended the wedding festivities in Limpopo at the weekend.

Reflecting on the online hostility, she said she is accustomed to being undermined because of her looks and has consistently had to work harder to prove her value.

“I am used to it. My whole life I have had to put in triple the effort to prove myself. Even within the ANC, where I lead, I’ve had to stand my ground and fight men and women who knew very little about me beyond how I look and how hard I work, much to their dislike,” she said. “From my days in the YCL, Sasco, the Youth League and the mother body, I have been subjected to these stereotypes.”

Despite the continuous scrutiny, Mogale emphasised that she refuses to let prejudice derail her career.

“I have refused to give in or stop pursuing what I love, which is the pursuit of social justice and service,” she said. “Being an activist is all I know and live for, and I won’t stop because of people’s preconceived opinions about me. I know who and what I am. Not a single smear, lie, insult, or label will ever make me stop.”

She added that the attacks have intensified now that she holds prominent leadership roles as an ANC comrade and activist, noting that critics resort to discrediting the way she looks as “they have nothing else to use, so all they can do is sexualise my physical appearance and try to stick labels to my name”, Mogale said.

Mogale referenced advice from a senior female leader that continues to guide her approach to public life.

“Being a woman, gifted, black and beautiful is indeed tough. The best advice I ever received from a senior woman leader was to stay in my lane, work hard, invest in my personal growth, and continue to spread love and kindness wherever I am,” she said. “The gender struggle is a protracted one. We soldier on.”

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