Who Is Collen Malatji? Collen Malatji, whose full name is Thlologelo Collen Malatji, is a prominent South African politician best known for his leadership role within the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL). Born on 18 March 1993 in Tembisa, located in the former Transvaal Province, Malatji has steadily risen through the ranks of student and youth politics to become one of the most influential young political figures in South Africa.
From an early age, Collen Malatji showed a strong interest in governance, leadership, and social justice. His political journey is often described as organic, shaped by years of grassroots activism, student leadership, and consistent involvement in youth structures linked to the ANC. Today, he serves as the President of the ANC Youth League, a position he first attained in July 2023 and later retained after being re-elected uncontested.
Collen Malatji Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thlologelo Collen Malatji |
| Date of Birth | 18 March 1993 |
| Age | 32 years |
| Place of Birth | Tembisa, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Education | University of Johannesburg; Wits University |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Position | ANCYL President |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Parents | Not Disclosed |
| Salary | Not Disclosed |
Early Life and Family Background
Collen Malatji was born and raised in Tembisa, a township known for producing many politically conscious leaders. While he has occasionally spoken about his upbringing and values, details about his parents and father have not been publicly disclosed. This privacy appears intentional, as Malatji has consistently kept his family life away from public and political scrutiny.
What is evident, however, is that his background played a major role in shaping his political consciousness. Growing up in a working-class environment exposed him to social and economic inequalities, which later influenced his focus on youth empowerment, education, and economic transformation.
Collen Malatji Age
As of 2025, Collen Malatji is 32 years old. Despite his relatively young age, he has already accumulated extensive experience in political organizing, parliamentary service, and leadership at national level. His age has often been highlighted as a symbol of generational renewal within the ANC and its youth structures.
Educational Background
Education has been a central pillar in Collen Malatji’s development as a leader. He pursued studies in Municipal Governance at the University of Johannesburg, a qualification that equipped him with knowledge of local government systems, public administration, and service delivery.
In addition to this, he is reportedly studying toward a Social Sciences degree at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University). His academic path reflects a strong interest in governance, policy development, and societal structures, all of which align closely with his political work.
Political Journey and Career
Early Activism
Collen Malatji’s political journey began remarkably early. At just 13 years old, he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). Over time, he held several leadership positions within the organization, including:
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Regional Secretary in Ekurhuleni
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Provincial Secretary in Gauteng
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National President of COSAS
These roles helped him build a strong foundation in organizational leadership, policy advocacy, and mass mobilization.
Rise Within the ANC Youth League
Within the ANC Youth League, Malatji progressed steadily. He served as a branch chairperson, later becoming a deputy regional chairperson, and by 2019, he was the convenor of the ANCYL in Ekurhuleni. His ability to organize, communicate, and mobilize young people contributed significantly to his growing influence.
Member of Parliament
Between 2019 and 2024, Collen Malatji served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in South Africa. During this period, he gained firsthand experience in legislative processes, national policy debates, and parliamentary oversight.
ANC Youth League Presidency
In July 2023, Collen Malatji was elected as President of the ANC Youth League, marking a major milestone in his political career. His leadership style has been described as assertive, disciplined, and focused on unity within the league.
Latest News
In a significant development, Collen Malatji was re-elected uncontested for a second term as ANCYL president during the league’s 27th National Congress. His entire leadership slate was also elected without opposition, signaling strong internal support for his leadership and vision.
Collen Malatji Wife and Marital Status
Collen Malatji is married, but he has chosen not to disclose details about his wife publicly. Her name, background, and profession remain private. This discretion aligns with Malatji’s broader approach to separating his personal life from his political responsibilities.
Children
As of now, there is no publicly available information confirming whether Collen Malatji has children. He has not addressed this aspect of his personal life in public interviews or official statements.
Parents and Father
Information about Collen Malatji’s parents and father has not been disclosed. While many public figures choose to highlight their family backgrounds, Malatji has remained reserved, focusing public attention on his political work rather than his family lineage.
Collen Malatji Salary
The exact salary of Collen Malatji has not been publicly disclosed. As a former Member of Parliament and current political office holder, his earnings are generally guided by government and party frameworks. However, no official figures regarding his current income have been released.
Collen Malatji Car and Lifestyle
Collen Malatji maintains a relatively modest public lifestyle. Details about the specific car he drives have not been made public. Unlike some high-profile politicians, he does not frequently showcase luxury assets on social media, reinforcing his image as a disciplined and work-focused leader.
Awards and Recognition
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Named among the “200 Young South Africans” by Mail & Guardian in 2018
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Ranked 85th on Avance Media’s list of 100 Most Influential Young South Africans in 2020
These recognitions highlight his influence and impact within South African politics at a young age.
Collen Malatji Net Worth
There is no confirmed public estimate of Collen Malatji’s net worth. Given his background in public service and youth leadership, his wealth is not considered excessive, and he is generally viewed as a career politician rather than a business-focused public figure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Collen Malatji?
He is 32 years old, born on 18 March 1993.
Q2: Is Collen Malatji married?
Yes, he is married, but details about his wife are private.
Q3: What position does Collen Malatji hold?
He is the President of the ANC Youth League.
Q4: What did Collen Malatji study?
He studied Municipal Governance and is pursuing Social Sciences.
Q5: What is Collen Malatji’s salary?
His salary has not been publicly disclosed.
Conclusion
Collen Malatji represents a new generation of political leadership in South Africa. From his early days in student activism to his rise as ANC Youth League President, his journey reflects persistence, organizational discipline, and a commitment to youth development. While much of his personal life remains private, his public record continues to shape national political conversations. As he enters his second term at the helm of the ANCYL, Malatji’s influence within South African politics is expected to grow even further.
