ANCYL 'will sell its votes to highest bidder', insiders say

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) is likely to support the highest bidder for its vote at the party's 2027 national elective conference, according to senior party leaders.

- Lunga Mzangwe

Kingmakers: The newly elected ANC Youth League national officials during the 27th National Congress, Collen Malatji (president), Francisco Dyantyi (deputy president), Tsakani Tshivhiti (secretary general), Zama Khanyase (1st deputy secretary general), Venus Blennies (2nd deputy secretary general) and Jacob Tau (treasurer general). Photo: Lunga Mzangwe

(Lunga Mzangwe)

The league held its national elective conference this week, where its president Collen Malatji was elected uncontested along with his slate.

The league is expected to play a significant role in determining who is chosen as the new ANC president at the party's 2027 national elective conference, succeeding Cyril Ramaphosa.

Many within the party believe the ANCYL is most likely to support current secretary general Fikile Mbalula should he decide to stand for the top position.

A senior member of the national executive committee (NEC) told the Mail & Guardian that it was difficult to predict who the party's youth wing would ultimately support, adding that it was more likely to back whoever paid the most for its vote.

The source who declined to be named described the league as a "crisis" when it came to money.

"These kids like money. The only thing you can say is that Collen is not likely to work with Paul [Mashatile, the deputy president]. If you look at the lifestyle, it doesn't look very ordinary. They will tell you, 'Give us this and we will support you'," the NEC insider said.