Diplomacy, domestic strains and a test of political authority underlined this year’s presidency
Malatji said those who raise such comments are obsessed with capturing the youth league and were not succeeding
Malatji’s slate was also not contested at the youth league’s 27th national congress
The league said most of the people who had voted for the party last year were young people
Earlier this week, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said those belonging to both parties would have to choose between the ANC and the SACP
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader said the uMkhonto weSizwe party had won the most votes in the province at last year’s elections and should be given a chance to lead
The president also told a meeting of his ANC that criminals, corrupt careerists, extortionists and factionalists should find themselves outside of the party
The party’s regional conference was a clean sweep for Masuku’s faction
The party says its decline has been worsened by communication failures, while opponents dominate social media with sharp messaging and emotional appeal
The infighting points to internal strife which could hurt the party in the region in next year