In a fiery response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial assertion that the Democratic Alliance (DA) governs better than the African National Congress (ANC), ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji has labelled the claim as ignorant and misleading. The comments, made during a roll-call meeting at the FNB Stadium attended by over 4,800 ANC councillors on Monday, have ignited a storm of criticism within the party and beyond.
Malatji addressed the media in Johannesburg, asserting that the reality of the DA’s governance record is far from the rosy depiction suggested by Ramaphosa. He likened the comparison to “comparing apples with bananas,” emphasising that the DA’s performance merits scrutiny, particularly in areas where they have previously held power. “In the city of Tshwane, where the DA was in charge, the municipality has essentially collapsed,” he stated. Malatji highlighted ongoing efforts involving the ANC and other parties aimed at revitalising the struggling metro.
Turning his attention to Cape Town and the Western Cape, prominently presented by the DA as symbols of their successful governance, Malatji argued that the reality on the ground is starkly different for the majority of residents. He articulated that the services provided by the DA disproportionately benefit white communities, leaving many black residents in underserved areas with inadequate access to basic needs. “You go to Cape Town, and the service is only evident in specific parts. The majority of South Africans are left to face conditions as dictated by a racially biased operational framework,” Malatji asserted.
As the fallout from Ramaphosa’s comments continues to unfold, the ANC has moved to dampen the public relations disaster. Party leaders have since sought to manage the narrative, including arranging a sit-down interview with SABC, where Ramaphosa appeared to recalibrate his remarks. He clarified that his reference to the DA was intended to discuss compliance rather than governance quality, stating, “Audits are just that, audits and not delivery.” He acknowledged that while ANC municipalities face unique challenges, substantial achievements have been realised under ANC governance.
However, Malatji maintained that it is inappropriate to draw direct comparisons between the two parties, as ANC municipalities typically service underprivileged, rural regions shaped by the apartheid legacy, which presents significant operational constraints. He rallied support for the party’s councils, suggesting that while the comparison may serve as a motivational tool, it should not overshadow genuine challenges faced by the ANC. “While there may be ANC municipalities underperforming compared to some DA counterparts, our focus must remain on how to better service our communities.”