YCLSA Defends Solly Mapaila Against ANCYL President Malatji’s “Baseless Insults”

ANCYL vs YCLSA

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The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) has issued a sharp rebuttal to the recent remarks made by ANC Youth League (ANCYL) President Collen Malatji, which they described as “baseless insults” against South African Communist Party (SACP) General Secretary Solly Mapaila. This heated exchange has brought ideological and strategic differences within the tripartite alliance into sharp focus.

YCLSA vs ANCYL

The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) has issued a sharp rebuttal to the recent remarks made by ANC Youth League (ANCYL) President Collen Malatji, which they described as “baseless insults” against South African Communist Party (SACP) General Secretary Solly Mapaila. This heated exchange has brought ideological and strategic differences within the tripartite alliance into sharp focus.

In a statement issued on 13 January 2025, YCLSA National Secretary Mzwandile Thakhudi condemned Malatji’s comments as an affront to the legacy of Peter Mokaba, a revered freedom fighter and former leader of the ANCYL. The remarks, made during the Peter Mokaba Memorial Lecture on 10 January in Khayelitsha, were described by the YCLSA as “reckless” and “deplorable,” accusing Malatji of prioritising populism over substantive solutions to the pressing challenges facing South African youth.

Malatji’s Criticism Sparks Tensions

During his address, Malatji criticised Solly Mapaila and former President Jacob Zuma. He referred to Zuma as a “counter-revolutionary” and the “enemy of the people” for allegedly contributing to the ANC’s decline. Zuma, now the leader of the MK Party, was accused of “selling out” and siphoning resources meant for South Africa’s poor.

Turning to Mapaila, Malatji described him as a “populist” and dismissed the SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. According to Malatji, this move undermines the ANC and the alliance’s unity. He claimed that the SACP was attempting to “disposition the ANC” at a time when unity was critical.

In a direct challenge, Malatji urged Mapaila to join “counter-revolutionaries” in the MK Party if he could not remain loyal to the alliance. He accused the SACP of exploiting internal discord within the ANC to gain political leverage.

YCLSA Responds: Defending Mapaila’s Leadership

The YCLSA strongly refuted Malatji’s allegations, affirming that Mapaila’s leadership reflects the collective decisions of the SACP, particularly the resolution to contest elections independently. The decision was ratified during the SACP’s 15th National Congress and reaffirmed at the 5th Special National Congress in December 2024.

Thakhudi lambasted Malatji’s remarks as “opportunistic” and lacking ideological depth. He described Malatji as a “theoretical lightweight” whose leadership is marked by “hollow rhetoric” rather than meaningful solutions for young South Africans. According to the YCLSA, the ANCYL under Malatji’s leadership has failed to address critical issues such as youth unemployment, access to education, land reform, and healthcare.

“Instead of uniting young people to address structural challenges, Malatji resorts to baseless insults against a leader with a proven track record in the liberation struggle,” Thakhudi said.

A Fractured Alliance: SACP’s Independent Path

The SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently has intensified divisions within the tripartite alliance, which comprises the ANC, SACP, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). The resolution is seen by some as a response to the ANC’s resistance to alliance reconfiguration, a long-standing demand by the SACP.

The ANC’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, warned of potential consequences for the alliance should the SACP proceed with its plans. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier appealed for unity, urging the SACP to reconsider its position.

However, the SACP remains resolute, with Deputy National Chairperson Thulas Nxesi emphasising that the decision was made collectively by the party’s leadership. Speaking at the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations, Nxesi argued that the alliance’s failure to grant equal status to its members had left the SACP with little choice but to pursue its own political path.

Peter Mokaba’s Legacy and the Role of Youth Leadership

The YCLSA accused Malatji of dishonouring Peter Mokaba’s legacy through his attacks on Mapaila. Mokaba, a staunch advocate for youth empowerment and revolutionary change, worked closely with leaders like Mapaila during the struggle for liberation.

The YCLSA contends that Mokaba’s principles stand in stark contrast to Malatji’s “political theatrics,” which they argue detract from the urgent need to address youth unemployment and inequality. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to Mokaba’s vision by mobilising young people to confront systemic challenges and agitate for socialism.

Criticism of Populism and Calls for Constructive Debate

Thakhudi urged alliance leaders to engage in constructive debate rather than resorting to populism and personal attacks. He argued that such tactics weaken the alliance and distract from its core mission of addressing the socio-economic challenges facing South Africans.

The YCLSA called for a focus on substantive issues, including land reform, economic transformation, and job creation. “The revolution will not be led by political mercenaries or shallow rhetoric. It requires disciplined, ideologically grounded leadership,” Thakhudi said.

Broader Implications for South Africa’s Political Landscape

As the 2026 local government elections approach, the tripartite alliance faces unprecedented challenges. The SACP’s independent participation marks a significant shift in South Africa’s political dynamics, raising questions about the future of the alliance and its ability to deliver on its promises.

Analysts warn that the fragmentation of the alliance could have far-reaching implications for the ANC’s electoral performance. The ANC, which suffered significant losses in the 2024 elections, may face further setbacks if the SACP gains traction among disillusioned voters.

The SACP’s move also introduces new possibilities for leftist realignment in South Africa. Its focus on addressing inequality and advocating for socialism resonates with a growing segment of the population frustrated by the slow pace of transformation.

YCLSA
YCLSA

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