Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-03-14 14:46:37
Former President Thabo Mbeki has recently made headlines for endorsing the ANC and committing to campaign for the party. This comes after months of speculation about his stance towards the governing party. In a recent interview with the SABC, Mbeki expressed his belief that it was his duty as a member of the ANC to contribute to engaging the population.
Last year, Mbeki had been hesitant to commit to campaigning for the ANC, citing concerns about unresolved issues within the party. He has been critical of the ANC and its current president, Cyril Rampahosa, for failing to implement the party’s renewal project. Despite these criticisms, Mbeki has decided to throw his support behind the ANC for the upcoming elections.
In addition to endorsing the ANC, Mbeki also weighed in on the Democratic Alliance’s call for observer missions from the Western world to monitor the elections. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission of South Africa to oversee the elections and dismissed the DA’s call as unnecessary. Mbeki highlighted the importance of trusting the electoral commission and the processes it has in place, rather than seeking external validation.
Mbeki also criticized his successor, former President Jacob Zuma, for his role in dismantling the South African Revenue Service (Sars). He pointed out that Sars is responsible for a significant portion of the country’s revenue and that destroying it undermines the democratic state. Mbeki emphasized the importance of upholding state institutions and the rule of law, implying that Zuma’s actions were detrimental to the country’s governance.
The Nugent Commission, chaired by retired judge Robert Nugent, investigated the restructuring of Sars and recommended criminal prosecution for certain individuals involved in the process. Mbeki highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that those responsible for undermining Sars were undermining the democratic principles upon which South Africa was founded. He also referenced the state capture report compiled by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, which implicated Zuma in the destruction of Sars.
Overall, Mbeki’s recent statements reflect his commitment to upholding democratic values and preserving the integrity of state institutions. By endorsing the ANC and criticizing the actions of his successors, he has positioned himself as a critical voice in South Africa’s political landscape. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, Mbeki’s views are likely to influence public opinion and contribute to the ongoing debate about the future direction of the nation.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
