Karabo Ngoepe|Published
The ANC Youth League in Mpumalanga has called for uncontested leadership elections at upcoming party conferences, arguing that internal unity should take precedence over factional competition.
The call follows the League’s ordinary Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting held on February 1 in the Ehlanzeni region, where leaders reflected on preparations for the ANC Mpumalanga Provincial Conference and the broader direction of the organisation.
ANCYL Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary Thalente Ndebele said the PEC viewed the provincial conference as a critical moment in the renewal of the ANC.
“After robust and lengthy deliberations, the ANCYL Mpumalanga resolved to advance unity, renewal, and stability, and to work towards an uncontested conference grounded in broad consensus, gender parity, and the advancement of youthful leadership capable of addressing youth unemployment, economic exclusion, and youth development,” Ndebele said.
The move comes as ANC branch biennial general meetings and branch general meetings continue across the province from January 11 to March 8, 2026.
During this period, the Youth League has begun lobbying branches to support a preferred leadership slate, which it says is based on the principles of renewal, economic freedom, and social change.
The proposed top five leadership positions are:
- Provincial Chairperson: Mandla Ndlovu
- Provincial Deputy Chairperson: Speed Mashilo
- Provincial Secretary: Muzi Chirwa
- Provincial Deputy Secretary: Mpumi Hlophe
- Provincial Treasurer: Sibongile Makhushe
The League has also put forward a list of additional nominees, including Bethuel Zunguza, Jesta Sidell, Mandla Msibi, Tim Mashele, Mduduzi Nkosi, Zakhele Shabangu, Desmond Moela, Sam Masango, Leah Mabuza, Isaac Mahlangu, Mohita Latchmirain, Mbhekeni Simelani, Sibonakalisi Mbatsane, Sasekani Manzini, Ndumiso Mokako, Cathy Mkhuma, Nomndeni Motha, Jabulani Ndlovu, Sthembile Hlongo, Sipho Mahlangu, Khetiwe Moketsi, Vusumuzi Mkhatswa, Vusi Nhlapho, Phumzile Mashego, Lerato Mofokeng, and Theresa Phelephe.
ANCYL Mpumalanga Spokesperson Bonginkosi Tshabangu defended the approach, saying contested conferences have historically weakened the organisation.
“The ANC Youth League National Executive Committee has noted the importance of a united front. Conferences have a history of leaving the organisation divided, with some members walking away or remaining aggrieved to the point of harming the organisation,” Tshabangu said.
He insisted the move should not be interpreted as an attempt to impose leaders on members, but rather as an effort to encourage engagement and consensus-building.
“This is not about removing democracy; it is about saying democracy must be rooted in consensus,” he said.
Insiders indicate that this approach was first tested at the Youth League’s most recent conference last year in Limpopo, which resulted in the election of leadership without contestation.
“They analysed the outcome and concluded that divisions emerging from contested conferences have been damaging. In some cases, people never leave conference disputes behind and continue to undermine the organisation,” a source said.
However, internal disagreements remain. One insider said there appears to be broad agreement on only three of the five proposed top positions, with the deputy secretary and treasurer posts emerging as points of contention.
“The issue is that the deputy secretary position is currently the only one contested by a woman, and that raises questions about compliance with the ANC’s gender parity policy,” the source said.
Responding to criticism that the process may dilute members’ voting power, Tshabangu said the Youth League remains open to engagement.
“The intention is simply to open the table for discussion. We are willing to listen to all structures and to engage with any comrade until we find common ground,” he said.
Political analyst Professor Metji Makgoba, from the University of Limpopo, cautioned that the approach could prove controversial if not clearly explained to members, particularly within the ANC’s highly factional environment.
“This kind of model is more commonly found in communist-based parties. If it is adopted without proper political education, it risks being viewed as autocratic,” Makgoba said.
He added that formal changes, including possible constitutional amendments, may be required to legitimise the process.
“The ANC is deeply factionalised and driven largely by patronage rather than ideology. Without clear criteria for leadership selection, this approach will raise more questions than answers,” he said.
Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
