Reclaiming the Future at the 2nd NGC of ANCYL

Since the formation of the African National Congress Youth League, it was the second National General Council; 40,000 young people across South Africa gathered under the same roof to discuss their challenges in their different villages, townships, and towns. South Africa experiences a high rate of unemployed youth who are graduates.

“It provided a platform to deliberate on the pressing challenges and aspirations of young people across the country. President Malatji delivered a powerful political overview, clearly outlining the League’s position and giving firm marching orders on issues affecting the youth of our nation. His address not only reaffirmed the ANCYL’s commitment to the struggles of young people but also challenged delegates to take an active role in shaping a progressive future. This NGC will be remembered as a milestone where the voice of young people was placed at the centre of transformation, development, and leadership in our country,” Tsholofelo Thati (ANCYL Francis Baard REC member) said.

The Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) components were present, and international guests of youth organisations were in attendance. Former African National Congress Youth League leaders, African National Congress and country Deputy President Hon Paul Mashatile, African National Congress Secretary General Cde Fikile Mbalula, and former leaders of the African National Congress Youth League were present.

“We don’t want directionless militancy; we want the youth that has direction and is focused. The Youth League must be at the centre and forefront of the struggle of the ANC to regain power in the 2026 Local Government Elections, and this requires visionary leadership and not bickering among comrades that does not advance the struggles of our people,” Cde Fikile Mbalula said.

The attendance showed that as a country, we are facing a high rate of youth unemployment. Young people came with ideas that will shape South Africa so that it could be a better country. The ideas that will bring change if they are implemented.

“Being the host region for the second most historic NGC was a grateful feeling. Delegates displayed a high level of discipline. Delegates were given an opportunity to deliberate on the progress that the NEC has made in implementing congress resolutions. Furthermore, we can confidently say we had a peaceful and an incident-free NGC. “All roads lead to the national congress, as branches have called for an early congress,” Ntshinga Kagiso (ANCYL Francis Baard Regional Chairperson) said.

The ANCYL President, Cde Collen Malatji, delivered the closing address of the 2nd National General Council, where the League reiterated its call for the merger of PostBank and African Bank into a State Bank. Such a bank will serve the people and their development needs, rather than chasing profit as private banks do. At the centre of the President’s remarks was the call for strengthening the economy of South Africa and ensuring economic participation by the majority of citizens in order to address youth unemployment, access to opportunities, and addressing the ills of our society.

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About the Author:

Thatoyaone Moepetsane is a creative and community leader from Tlakgameng, North West, South Africa. Started school at Seitsang Primary, is a talented short film writer and published author. He also serves as Director of Thato Digital Solutions (Pty) Ltd. and Chairperson of the Tlakgameng Community Health Centre Committee.