In the dynamic landscape of South African politics, Tlhologelo Collen Malatji has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
Born on March 18 1993, Malatji’s journey to becoming the president of ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has been nothing short of remarkable.
The leader of the young lions exhibited an unwavering passion for social justice and political activism from a young age. At the remarkable age of 13, he joined the Congress of South African Students (Cosas), marking the beginning of a remarkable journey within the youth league.
Driven by a deep commitment to serve his community and nation, Malatji assumed various leadership roles within the ANCYL and Cosas, occupying various positions including as regional secretary in Ekurhuleni, chairperson of an ANCYL branch, and provincial secretary of Cosas in Gauteng.
With his growing influence, he earned a place on the national executive committee and eventually rose to the prestigious position of national president of Cosas.
In 2018, Malatji’s efforts were recognized when he was named one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian for his outstanding work in politics and government.
The following year, he contested in the ANC regional Gauteng election list, securing a position as the 18th candidate.
In May 2019, Malatji was elected as a member of parliament after the ANC won 26 list seats in Gauteng. He was sworn into office and soon became a member of the portfolio committee on higher education, science, and innovation.
Throughout his parliamentary tenure, he demonstrated a keen interest in issues related to education and innovation, making a significant contribution to policy discussions.
His dedication to public service and commitment to his generation is evident in his approach to leadership.
At the weekend, he achieved a significant milestone in his political career when he was elected unopposed as the president of ANCYL during it 26th national congress held at the Nasrec Expo Centre near Soweto.
His victory was a testament to years of hard work, extensive mobilization of structures, and the overwhelming support he received from the youth delegates.
Speaking to Sunday World before the conference commenced on Friday, Malatji expressed confidence, citing years of hard work.
He highlighted the significance of gaining support from his peers and emphasized that he is not a “candidate of the elders”, but rather of his own generation.
“I am humbled, I got the highest nominations of close to more than 1 900 on a conference of close to 2 000 voting delegates,” he said.
“It is a vote of confidence from my own peers, that is why I have always dismissed that I am a candidate of elders when my peers are assembling their own structures.
“A candidate of the elders is someone who comes to conference, elders come and lobby for them to be elected in the conference when their peers have not nominated them in structures. I have obtained full confidence from my own peers across South Africa.”
“I have always been praised in structures of the ANCYL and the ANC. I think I have always prepared myself for the day when it happens that I get elected as the president of the youth league.”
Malatji’s rise to prominence exemplifies the power of determination, resilience, and a genuine desire to serve the community and nation.
With his finger on the pulse of his generation, he seeks to create a platform for young South Africans to actively participate in shaping their country’s future.
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