Collen Malatji: Ramaphosa Should Be SA’s Last ‘Pensioner President’

ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji has stirred public debate with a strong statement calling for the end of elderly leadership in South Africa — starting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who he says should be the last “pensioner” president to lead the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in the North West during Youth Month commemorations, Malatji challenged the status quo, saying it’s time for young people to take over key positions of power.

“You can’t say people aged 65 must go to pension, but the one who makes the laws, aged 65, is still working,” said Malatji. “President Ramaphosa must be the last president who is a pensioner.”

Youth Unemployment and Social Decay at the Heart of His Message

Malatji’s comments were grounded in South Africa’s deepening youth unemployment crisis, currently at 32.9%, as well as increasing social issues among young people, including substance abuse and domestic violence.

“They are dispossessed, they are on drugs, they are on alcohol, they are abused by their husbands every day of their marriage… even your dignity is stripped when you are deprived of your own economy,” he said.

Malatji: Youth Must Lead, Just Like in 1976

The ANCYL leader called for a revival of the revolutionary spirit of the 1976 generation, which famously fought against apartheid through youth-led activism.

“That spirit must be revived in your hearts and souls… until the youth of this country run this country,” he declared.

Criticism of Ramaphosa’s National Dialogue

Malatji also took aim at President Ramaphosa’s recently announced National Dialogue, which aims to reshape South Africa’s future by bringing together leaders from various sectors ahead of a National Convention scheduled for August 15 and again in early 2026.

However, Malatji dismissed the dialogue as lacking youth leadership and meaningful direction.

“We can’t have a high level of youth unemployment while pensioners are still working… Everything important in this country must be run by the youth,” he said.

Eminent Persons Group ‘Lacks Youth Representation’

Malatji further criticized the composition of the Eminent Persons Group overseeing the dialogue — which includes respected religious leaders and public figures like Siya Kolisi and Bheki Ntshalintshali — saying it excludes critical youth voices.

He noted the absence of past presidents and legacy foundations such as those named after Mandela, Mbeki, and Kathrada, many of which have voiced criticism of the current administration.

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“That national dialogue will have no direction if it is not directed by the youth… We must have a national dialogue before the national dialogue,” Malatji urged.

A Call to Action for South Africa’s Youth

Malatji concluded his speech by calling on young South Africans to awaken their political consciousness and take the lead in shaping the nation’s future.

“Today is not about speeches, but I felt I must remind you why we are reviving your conscience,” he said.