Optimism emerges that outspoken Mbeki can help to set ANC straight

Former president Thabo Mbeki’s criticism of the ANC’s parliamentary list, while he is campaigning for the party ahead of the elections, is creating optimism that his stance may help to redefine the party and redirect the country.

The former president said over the weekend that the governing party had to be serious about removing criminal elements from its ranks, or risk its demise.

He also criticised the party and its past 10 years of governance under former president Jacob Zuma. He said he was campaigning to give his party another chance, although he was not convinced it was committed to stopping the rot in its ranks.

He said it would be wrong of the party to ignore the findings of its integrity committee, which had flagged a number of senior ANC politicians as problematic candidates, who should not be allowed to represent the party in parliament.

Many of them have been implicated in corruption at public inquiries, such as the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, and in other quarters. Mbeki reportedly went as far as saying the ANC would be sentencing itself to death if it did not accept its own committee’s recommendations.

Following the recommendations would save it from having to send “thieves” to parliament, he added.

Political analyst Andre Duvenhage said it was interesting that Mbeki had spoken out like this and that it was the first time it had happened since 1994. He said for the ANC to bring back Mbeki to campaign for it, and for the Democratic Alliance to similarly involve its former leader, Tony Leon, showed both major parties were facing unique challenges.

He said: “In the case of Mbeki, it shows that [President Cyril] Ramaphosa has found an ally in him, which will help to get rid of the strange elements within the party, consolidate the ANC and stabilise South African politics.

“Mbeki’s actions will benefit the party and contribute towards saving it and uplifting its moral standards.

“His role is critically important for the future direction of the party and the country.”

Political analyst Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana echoed Duvenhage’s sentiments, saying the former president’s criticisms would benefit the party significantly.

“He [Mbeki] has a substantial following, not only ANC supporters, who regret his firing and view him quite fondly.

“It will also benefit the party because he speaks with the voice of reason, reminding people of what they need to do and validating the Ramaphosa presidency.”

But another analyst, Ralph Mathekga, had a different view.

“Mbeki is concerned about the state of the ANC and how that restrains Ramaphosa. People are concerned about the integrity of people on the list. This also means there is awareness across the electorate and it will have consequences for the ANC.”

– jenniffero@citizen.co.za

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