ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has called upon members of the ruling party to draw inspiration from the late struggle icon Peter Mokaba, emphasising that the movement requires leaders who are courageous, principled, and profoundly dedicated to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly the youth.
During a live engagement, Mbalula stated that Mokaba embodied a generation of activists unafraid to confront injustice directly and who recognised the influence of youth in moulding the nation’s political trajectory. He informed ANC members that the party must maintain its connection to that legacy, especially at a time when young people are confronting significant economic and social difficulties.
Mbalula emphasised that the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) holds a vital position in restoring hope among young South Africans. He stated that the structure must transcend slogans and internal politics, instead focussing on the daily challenges faced by young people as the central element of its efforts. According to him, challenges such as unemployment, access to education, poverty, and economic exclusion necessitate a militant and organised youth movement committed to advocating for substantive change.
He reminded party members that Peter Mokaba was renowned for his courage and his capacity to rally young people around well-defined political objectives. Mbalula stated that Mokaba recognised that the youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but also a formidable force in the present, capable of shaping national discourse and policy.
The ANC Secretary-General further cautioned that should the ANCYL fail to represent the interests of young people convincingly, alternative voices will assume that role. He stated that frustration among young people is increasing, and political movements that fail to genuinely address their concerns risk losing relevance. Mbalula contended that the ANC must rejuvenate itself by re-establishing a connection with youthful individuals in communities, educational institutions, and workplaces.
He further urged ANC leaders at all levels to endorse the Youth League and enable it to fulfil its traditional function as a developmental platform for future leaders. Mbalula stated that unity, discipline, and political education are crucial for the league to restore its influence and credibility.
Mbalula’s remarks arrive at a moment when the ANC is under scrutiny to affirm its comprehension of the requirements of the majority, especially young voters who are progressively disenchanted with the political landscape. With youth unemployment persisting at persistently high levels, numerous young South Africans perceive themselves as excluded from the nation’s economic prospects.
By invoking the legacy of Peter Mokaba, Mbalula signified a move towards a more activist and people-oriented approach within the ANC and its youth organisations. His message was unequivocal: the pursuit of freedom did not conclude in 1994, and the current struggle centres on economic justice, dignity, and opportunities for the nation’s youth.