The elective conferences of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in various regions in KwaZulu-Natal continue to be plagued by violence and physical fights that sometimes require police intervention.
The violence issue started last Monday in Kokstad in southern KwaZulu-Natal during the elective conference of the Harry Gwala region.
The conference descended into chaos the moment it started. And the police had to be called in to restore order. The violence also prompted Muntuwoxolo Ngudle, the league Secretary-General, to write an impromptu letter to Lulama Mabude, the provincial secretary, to halt the conference.
Fights captured on video
Ngudle said the fights captured on video were unacceptable. It is critical that the safety of delegates is guaranteed and the dignity of the movement is upheld, he said.
However, Ngudle’s instruction was roundly ignored. And the conference proceeded to elect new leaders, whose legitimacy is now in doubt.
The leadership of the league in the province later wrote to Ngudle. It accused him of trying to interfere in provincial matters, and told him to back off.
Later last week, another elective conference descended into chaos and fist fights. This time the fight was in the Inkosi Bhambatha region (Umzinyathi) in the KZN Midlands. Delegates from two factions were recorded engaging in fist fights and insulting each other.
There is no official word on whether that conference was eventually able to convene and elect new leaders.
New scandal
On Monday, April 28 2025, the league was embroiled in a new scandal. Members of the party in the Mzala Nxumalo region (Zululand) fought in Ulundi while trying to convene and elective conference. Police had to be called in to restore order.
The leadership of the league in the province later issued a statement and condemned the incident. It also said the conference was bogus.
“As the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), we wish to clarify that no such legitimate congress has been convened under the auspices of the ANCYL.”
The PEC later made a principled decision to disband the leadership of the Mzala Nxumalo Region.
Tension, insults on WhatsApp groups
“This decision was informed by a need to restore order, integrity, and organisational discipline in the region. In line with this resolution, a special PEC meeting was held. And a commitment was made to engage directly with the youth of the region. And to do so in a structured and responsible rebuilding process,” the leadership said in a statement. The statement was released after videos of the fight went viral.
Prior to the regional conference, members of the league in different factions were insulting each other. The insults were hurled in their official WhatsApp group. One of them was called a sex worker, and another one was called a drunkard.
