YCLSA 7NC — Media & Press Centre

MEDIA RELEASE: YCLSA CONVENES HISTORIC 7TH NATIONAL CONGRESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 7 July 2026

The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) will convene its 7th National Congress from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Rustenburg Kloof Resort, under the theme: "Youth to the Front: Rescue the NDR. Advance Towards People's Power!"

This Congress takes place at a defining moment: for the first time, the SACP will contest elections independently, beginning with the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November.

"The 7th National Congress convenes at a moment when the working-class youth face their deepest crisis since the dawn of democracy. With youth unemployment exceeding 60%, the capitalist system has proven definitively that it cannot absorb its own young. Our Congress will chart the path to socialism."

— Cde Mzwandile Thakhudi, National Secretary, YCLSA

CONGRESS AT A GLANCE

450

Voting Delegates

Fraternal Guests

Provinces

45.6%

Youth NEET Rate (15-34)

60.9%

Youth Unemployment (15-24)

Discussion Documents

SACP HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION

CC Members Deployed to Congress:

Cde Afrika Mapaila
Cde Motlalepula Lekoma
Cde Mabuse Mpe
Cde PJ Mnguni
Cde Alex Mashilo
Cde Jenny Schreiner

CC Members Constituting the Revolutionary Elections Committee:

Cde Madala Masuku
Cde Slovo Majola
Cde Grace Pampiri
Cde Adrian Williams
Cde Mike Shingange
Cde Tinyiko Ntini — Acting National Organiser (Technical & Admin Support)

KEY MEDIA MOMENTS

Day 2 (Sat 11 Jul), 10:00: Keynote by SACP General Secretary (Cde Solly Mapaila)

Day 2, 15:15: Keynote by Minister of Higher Education (Hon. Buti Manamela)

Day 3 (Sun 12 Jul), 09:00: NOB Election Results Announced

Day 3, 13:30: Newly Elected National Committee Announced

Day 3, 15:00: Post-Congress Press Briefing

SOCIAL MEDIA & HASHTAGS

#YCLSA7thCongress #SocialismIsOurLifetime #YouthToTheFront

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

All media representatives must be accredited before Congress. Accredited media may attend designated open sessions but may not attend closed sessions (commissions, elections, constitutional votes).

To accredit, contact: Cde Dineo Mokoena at yclsaheadquarters@gmail.com

Note: Post-Congress press briefing on Day 3 (12 July) at 15:00 by the newly elected NOBs.

MEDIA & PRESS CENTRE

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