Collen Malatji Speaks Out And Blames Thabo Mbeki For ANC Issues While Standing Behind Ramaphosa

The African National Congress Youth League has spoken out in support of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is facing demands that he and other high-ranking party officials own up to the ANC’s dismal showing in the 2026 local elections. The youth league has also voiced their disapproval of former president Thabo Mbeki’s involvement, claiming that he contributed to the party’s leadership’s present problems.

According to Mbeki, Ramaphosa should stand down if rumours about his promise to do so after the election loss are true. Taking responsibility for significant election defeats is something leaders in democracies should do, he said, and the top seven ANC members should think about doing the same. While Mbeki did not explicitly call for their resignation, he did wonder whether the leadership could go on in light of the outcomes.

The ANC Youth League’s reaction contextualises the discussion within the broader party legacy. It challenges the premise that the present leadership is solely responsible for the party’s collapse by criticising Mbeki and pointing to his years in high ANC leadership. As the African National Congress (ANC) is under internal pressure to explain its declining popularity, the youth league has come to Ramaphosa’s defence.

Disagreement has arisen since the ANC’s vote percentage has dropped significantly. The published results show that the party’s popularity dropped from 45.59 percent in the 2021 municipal elections to 30.76 percent in 2026. The ANC’s performance has raised concerns about its leadership and future course of action and necessitated coalition partners in several towns.

Ramaphosa has denied rumours that he plans to step down from his position. Rejecting rumours of resignation, he said that the party had accepted the judgement of the people when he spoke after the Electoral Commission had released the official results. Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the ANC, has also shot off rumours that Ramaphosa’s ouster is being considered.

During an interview with Mbuyiseni Ndlozi of the African Renaissance Podcast, Mbeki made the comments in question. He brought up the ANC’s failings since Ramaphosa took office as party president in 2017, citing the party’s dwindling popularity and persistent economic and social issues. The topic of whether the ANC’s leadership should stay in power after a crushing loss has been revived by his remarks.

There will be no resolution to the accountability conflict as a result of the ANCYL’s argument. The question therefore becomes whether the present leadership alone or previous ANC generations should be the target of criticism. The party is starting coalition talks and thinking about how to win back public support, therefore the argument is heating up.

There has been no official confirmation of Ramaphosa’s resignation, and the ANC has denied rumours that he is about to step down. Following the defeat in the election, the party is still debating internal issues of leadership and accountability.

https://x.com/News24/status/2120186657693385125

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