ANCYL dismisses claims it's no longer brave enough to hold corrupt party officials accountable

JOHANNESBURG – African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) president, Collen Malatji, has dismissed claims that the structure no longer has leaders brave enough to hold party officials accountable for corruption.

Malatji was speaking during an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News.

He said the youth league had been steadfast in calling its elders to order, especially those who’ve derailed from the ANC’s values and principles.

"We have made our views heard everywhere that anyone who is charged with corruption or wrongdoing must step aside from the ANC. We have been popular externally and internally for saying that because people believe we are too radical when it comes to the issue of corruption. We believe corruption is an enemy of this country. It must be fought with everything we have and everyone who is charged with it must be held accountable."

However, when asked whether Justice Minister Thembi Simelane had been held accountable for her VBS corruption allegations, Malatji had this to say:

"We have spoken against corruption, we have been waiting for the comrade to clarify herself. She has been invited to the ANC’s integrity commission. What makes it difficult about the Thembi matter to comment on it fully is that she has not been charged with corruption yet. We can’t wake up in the morning and find someone guilty before the court of law, that would be wrong."