Breaking News: Malatji Hits Back at Mbeki in Defence of Ramaphosa

ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malatji has hit back at former president Thabo Mbeki following his remarks suggesting that President Cyril Ramaphosa should step down amid the African National Congress’s (ANC) ongoing political challenges.

Malatji reportedly questioned Mbeki’s position, arguing that the former president should also accept responsibility for some of the difficulties currently confronting the ruling party. He challenged Mbeki’s call for Ramaphosa to resign, pointing out that he himself did not step down when the ANC faced difficult political and organisational circumstances during his time in office.

The ANCYL leader appeared to suggest that it would be unfair to place the entire burden of the party’s struggles on Ramaphosa while overlooking the contributions and decisions of previous ANC leaders.

Malatji also made it clear that the Youth League remains firmly behind Ramaphosa, rejecting suggestions that his departure should be the immediate solution to the party’s problems.

His response comes at a time when the ANC is facing growing internal pressure following its disappointing performance in the 2026 Local Government Elections. The party has experienced a significant decline in electoral support, raising fresh questions about its leadership, political direction and ability to regain public confidence.

Mbeki’s remarks have added to the ongoing debate within the ANC over whether the current leadership should remain in place or whether a change at the top is necessary to rebuild the organisation.

However, Malatji’s position reflects the ANCYL’s continued support for Ramaphosa, with the youth leader suggesting that the party should prioritise unity, accountability and collective responsibility rather than concentrating its criticism on the sitting president.

The exchange highlights the growing differences among ANC leaders and former leaders over how the party should respond to its electoral setbacks and address the challenges threatening its political future.

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