Media Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) sends its revolutionary felicitations to the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) on its powerful milestone of 80 years of revolutionary struggle.

On this day in 1944, the ANCYL was born out of a burning desire for radical change, conceived at the house of Comrade Walter Sisulu in Orlando, Soweto. Its fearless founders – Comrades Anton Lembede, A.P. Mda, Jordan Ngubane, Nelson Mandela, and Oliver Tambo – saw that the ANC was weighed down by a conservative older generation. They dared to challenge the status quo, igniting the flame of a militant youth movement that would transform the liberation struggle. This was the dawn of a new era.

Today, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of the ANCYL, forged in the crucible of struggle. Since its inception, the Youth League has never wavered in its mission to fight for true democracy in South Africa and across the African continent. The young lions have led from the front, advancing the economic, cultural, educational, and political emancipation of our people. They understood that the struggle was not just about political liberation, but the total liberation of the African people from the chains of oppression in every sphere of life.

The ANC recognizes the vital role the ANCYL has played over the decades, always at the forefront of the revolution. From defying apartheid’s brutal regime to shaping the post-apartheid struggle for economic freedom, the Youth League has proven time and again that it is a force to be reckoned with.

However, the struggle is far from over. The challenges of today demand even more radical action from the youth. The fight for economic justice, the battle against unemployment, inequality, and poverty – these are the modern-day frontlines.

We salute the bold leadership of past and present ANCYL members who have fearlessly championed the cause of the oppressed. They have not only adapted to changing times but have shown that the revolutionary spirit cannot be dimmed. The ANC calls on the next generation of Youth League members to carry this torch forward with even greater intensity.

As the ANCYL celebrates this historic milestone, it must deepen its revolutionary role, bringing political education to the masses and igniting the fire of activism in every corner of the country. The Youth League must stand as the vanguard of the national democratic revolution, organizing, mobilizing, and leading with the same fearlessness that defined its founding members.

Their achievements on the various calls for social transformation; empowerment of the youth; addressing the unemployment crisis, especially the youth; addressing corruption and monitoring of the progress of the Government of National Unity (GNU) amongst other issues spearheaded by the league for a better life for young people, is commendable and we implore upon them to keep charging forward.

Young lions, the future is yours to seize. Fight for your future, fight for your people, and fight for the radical transformation of society. Your generation must carry forward the revolution, building on the legacy of those who came before you. Now, more than ever, the country needs a militant, revolutionary Youth League that will lead with courage, vision, and uncompromising determination.

Roar Young Lions Roar!