Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-03-15 16:00:00
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), recently criticized former president Thabo Mbeki for his decision to campaign for the African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming general elections. Malema referred to Mbeki as a flip-flopper, highlighting the inconsistency in his stance on supporting the ANC.
During an interview with the Mail & Guardian, Malema expressed his frustration with the media for not labeling Mbeki as a flip-flopper, despite his changing position on endorsing the ANC. Mbeki, who had previously been critical of the ANC, recently announced his support for the party, stating that it was his duty to contribute to its campaign.
Malema pointed out the double standard in how he and Mbeki are perceived by the media, emphasizing that if it were him changing his position, he would have been criticized. He questioned the timing of Mbeki’s endorsement, noting that the ANC is currently facing internal challenges and questioning the authenticity of his support.
Mbeki’s decision to campaign for the ANC comes after years of being sidelined by the party and criticizing its leadership. In the past, he refrained from endorsing the ANC due to concerns about the party’s failure to address critical issues. Malema criticized Mbeki for re-entering the political arena after retiring and called out his inconsistency in supporting the ANC.
Malema also defended former president Jacob Zuma’s endorsement of the new Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, highlighting Mbeki’s previous support for the formation of the Congress of the People (Cope). He accused Mbeki of endorsing Cope behind the scenes while publicly maintaining his loyalty to the ANC.
The EFF’s secretary-general, Marshall Dlamini, noted that the party’s election operations center is focused on assisting supporters in reaching voting stations on election day. With over 500,000 volunteers on the ground, the EFF is actively engaged in election activities.
In conclusion, Julius Malema’s criticism of Thabo Mbeki’s flip-flopping on endorsing the ANC reflects the political tensions within South Africa. The changing loyalties of former leaders and the rivalry between political parties highlight the dynamic nature of the country’s political landscape. As the general elections approach, it remains to be seen how these competing narratives will influence the outcome of the election.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
