02/08/2025
STATEMENT OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS YOUTH LEAGUE (ANCYL) IN AMATHOLE REGION FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL 4TH REGIONAL CONGRESS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02 AUGUST 2025
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Amathole Region successfully convened its 4th Regional Congress from Thursday, 31 July 2025, at Zovuyo Hotel, Ndabakazi N2, under the theme: “Youth Unity and Organisational Renewal for Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime.”
The Congress was attended by branches in good standing, alliance partners, leaders of the ANCYL, and invited guests. It was a moment of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the revolutionary task of mobilising young people behind the banner of the African National Congress and the cause of youth development.
The Congress received and adopted key reports, including the Organisational Report, Political Report, and Financial Report. These provided a thorough account of the work done by the 3rd Regional Executive Committee (REC) and outlined key challenges and tasks for the incoming leadership.
Election of the 4th Regional Executive Committee (REC)
The highlight of the Congress was the democratic election of a new leadership collective to take forward the work of the ANCYL in the Amathole Region. The Congress elected the following comrades to serve:
REC Officials:
• Chairperson: Comrade Buhle Somdaka (M)
• Deputy Chairperson: Comrade Nandipha Mpolweni (F)
• Secretary: Comrade Zuko Lugalo (M)
• Deputy Secretary: Comrade Yamnkela Mkhohlakali (F)
• Treasurer: Comrade Gqasana Anelitha (F)
Additional Members:
• Cde Sinazo Dyani (F)
• CdeMomelezi Cebisa (M)
• Cde Khayalethu Manxiwa (M)
• Cde Zizipho Macanda (F)
• Cde Boniswa Sithela (F)
• Cde Nomaphelo Foca (F)
• Cde Isaac Mdyeshana (M)
• Cde Sibulele Nyhila (M)
• Cde Siphenathi Seyisi (M)
• Cde Masixole Mahliwane (M)
• Cde Nontembiso Sinyanya (F)
• Cde Akhona Mfuleni (F)
We express our deepest gratitude to the outgoing REC under the leadership of Comrade Bonginkosi Tshetu for steering the Youth League through a challenging period, and for laying a solid foundation for the renewal of our structures and programs.
Way Forward
The newly elected leadership commits itself to building a vibrant, disciplined, and militant Youth League that advances the interests of young people across the Amathole Region. Our immediate focus areas include:
• Rebuilding and strengthening ANCYL branches;
• Championing youth economic empowerment and job creation;
• Intensifying political education and ideological training;
• Fighting for quality education, healthcare, and access to land;
• Mobilising youth behind ANC-led community development programs.
Furthermore, the Congress resolved to convene a Special Regional General Council before the end of 2025 to finalise all outstanding matters, including the adoption of Congress Commission reports.
In our pursuit of accountable governance and youth empowerment, we declare the formation of dedicated task teams that will monitor youth development across spheres of governance and ensure efficient delivery of essential public services.
4th Regional Congress Declarations
The ANCYL in the Amathole Region supports the call for an early Provincial Congress of the ANC to renew the mandate of ANC structures and build unity and stability in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Subsequently, we are also calling for an early ANC Regional Congress in Amathole due to the prevailing lack of coordination and the inability of the current regional leadership to provide political and organisational direction.
The 4th Regional Congress of the ANCYL in Amathole unequivocally declares its readiness to engage in the succession debate ahead of the next ANC Regional Conference. In this regard, the Youth League will lobby for the emergence of its current Provincial Secretary and ANC REC Member Comrade Zusiphe Francisco Dyantyi as the next ANC Regional Secretary. We believe Comrade Dyantyi embodies the values, discipline, and progressive vision required to advance the renewal agenda of the ANC and strengthen its organisational capacity in the region.
The challenges faced by the ANC in Amathole Region require leaders that know and understand the challenges faced by our movement and the people in depth, those who possess fundamental skills and expertise to run an organisation faced with complex challenges we are faced with.
ENDS.
ISSUED BY THE ANCYL AMATHOLE REGION
For Enquiries, contact:
Zuko Lugalo
Regional Secretary
+27 82 338 2382