CHINTSA- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Eastern Cape has emerged from its Provincial Executive Committee Lekgotla, hosted at Crafwoods Lodge in Chintsa from 22–24 May, with a strong call for urgent youth economic empowerment, clean governance and greater youth representation ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Lekgotla, attended by provincial leadership, MECs and government representatives, reflected on the social and economic challenges facing young people in the province, particularly unemployment, poverty, inequality and crime.
ANCYL Eastern Cape spokesperson Babalwa Magqwanti said the gathering was focused on ensuring that young people become active participants in governance and economic development.
“The Lekgotla resolved that young people can no longer be treated as spectators in the economy and governance processes. Youth must be at the centre of decision-making and development in the province,” said Magqwanti.
She said delegates critically assessed government interventions aimed at youth development and municipal performance across the province.
“The organisation engaged government leadership on the effectiveness of programmes meant to address youth unemployment and economic exclusion. There was agreement that more urgent and practical interventions are needed,” she said.
Furthermore, the Youth League identified unemployment as the greatest crisis affecting young people in the Eastern Cape and resolved to intensify pressure on both the public and private sectors to create sustainable jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Magqwanti emphasised that, the ANCYL would continue advocating for entrepreneurship support, procurement opportunities and access to skills development programmes for young people.
“We are demanding meaningful economic participation for young people through access to opportunities, training and inclusion in the mainstream economy,” she said.
In addition the Lekgotla also raised concern over corruption, maladministration and poor governance within state institutions.
“The ANCYL remains committed to fighting corruption and ensuring public resources are used to serve communities rather than personal interests,” Magqwanti said.
As part of preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the organisation resolved to strengthen its election machinery, improve voter mobilisation and intensify campaigns targeting first-time voters.
The Youth League is also pushing for increased youth representation in political leadership structures.
Among its resolutions, the ANCYL demanded at least 30% youth representation on proportional representation councillor lists across municipalities in the province.
The organisation further called for the deployment of young people into strategic leadership positions, including mayoral committees, ward councillor positions and portfolio committees.
“We are saying young people must not only campaign during elections, but must also be entrusted with leadership responsibilities that influence governance and service delivery,” ANCYL statement emphasised.
The Lekgotla further reaffirmed the organisation’s stance against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV-F), calling for stronger law enforcement interventions and broader community mobilisation to combat violence against women and children.
On immigration, the ANCYL said concerns around undocumented foreign nationals and pressure on public services must be addressed lawfully and constitutionally, while calling for stronger border management and compliance with immigration laws.
Magqwanti added that the organisation remained committed to building what she described as a “responsive, ethical and youth-centred society” that advances the interests of young people in the Eastern Cape.
Photographs: ACYL EC/Facebook
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