ANC Youth League (ANCYL) President, Collen Malatji, is calling for urgent accountability in the damning corruption allegations involving the Polokwane municipality officials, including the mayor.

In an interview with IOL, Malatji said: “Anyone caught participating in corrupt activities must face the full might of the law. Law enforcement agencies must act urgently and decisively.”

Mayor John Mpe is facing growing scrutiny following accusations of irregularly awarding tenders and allegedly giving political and economic favours to foreign nationals.

The allegations have triggered public outrage and renewed questions about ethical leadership within the ruling party.

Mpe remains in office. He is not charged with any wrongdoing. 

Malatji did not mince words, stating that those implicated — including leadership — must be “brought to book” without delay.

While urging for unity in Limpopo — a historically significant base for the ANC — Malatji stressed that unity cannot exist without discipline and accountability.

“Limpopo is a special province. The ANC must protect it with everything we have, and that begins with rooting out corruption from within our own ranks,” he said.

Malatji’s comments come amid increasing tensions and factionalism in the province, worsened by open social media spats and intra-party hostility.

“We cannot allow members to insult each other publicly. Those who do must face disciplinary action,” he added.

Though he steered clear of directly naming factions, Malatji made it clear that internal power struggles must not override the principles of integrity and service.

“I won’t enter factional claims about who does what — mine is a call for unity, discipline, and swift justice.”

The call for an investigation into the corruption allegations adds pressure on ANC leadership, especially as it goes to the local government elections.

As corruption continues to gnaw at public trust, the ANCYL’s firm stance on rooting out corruption is becoming increasingly clear.

Meanwhile, IOL previously reported that Mpe defended himself against the allegations, saying there was nothing wrong with awarding tenders to foreign-owned companies.

He added that the claims were baseless and politically motivated.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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