ANC Youth League’s Collen Malatji Addresses Controversies and Promotes Unity Amidst Qualification Dispute

In a recent unfolding within South Africa’s political landscape, ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji came to defense of the League’s treasurer, General Zwelo Masilela, over criticisms about his qualifications for his previous role as a senior researcher in the Mbombela municipality. The controversy was spotlighted during the parliament’s interviews for candidates for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board.

During the interviews, Masilela faced tough questions from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Sihle Lonzi, regarding how he secured a position for which he lacked the necessary academic qualifications. Masilela, who worked in the municipality from 2016 until 2023 and only completed his diploma in journalism in 2021, asserted that he never deliberately applied for the senior researcher position but was instead placed there due to political office deployment. He has been open about the mismatch and stated that he spent two years without being assigned appropriate functions.

ANCYL president Collen Malatji has defended the league's treasurer Zwelo Masilela after revelations that he worked as a senior researcher in a municipality in MP for 5 years without a post matric qualification,saying "it's nothing new and it happens all the time" @mailandguardian pic.twitter.com/DW17cKhFlf

— Lunga_mzangwe (@lunga_mzangwe) February 27, 2025

Responding to these claims at a media briefing at Luthuli House, Malatji expressed that such appointments are commonplace in political office settings and are openly declared, thus not a hidden issue. Additionally, Malatji labelled the EFF’s complaint to the public protector about Masilela and the NYDA as a political stunt aimed at garnering public sympathy rather than addressing corruption.

Amidst these political tensions, Malatji also addressed the actions of AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement in the United States, criticizing their presentation of Afrikaners as persecuted individuals in South Africa. He pointed out the contradiction in their narrative and emphasized that those who truly love South Africa should remain and contribute positively to rectifying socio-economic issues stemming from apartheid, rather than stirring racial discord.

Malatji’s comments highlight the ongoing complex dynamics within South African politics, where issues of qualifications, racial tensions, and international perceptions continue to intersect and provoke significant public and political discourse.