African National Congress (ANC)
By Thobeka Makume
Former President Thabo Mbeki has called for deep introspection within the African National Congress (ANC) and urged South Africans to actively engage in shaping the nation’s future. Speaking at the ANC Dullah Omar region’s political outreach programme in Cape Town, Mbeki highlighted the party’s significant decline in support and the country’s escalating socio-economic challenges.
ANC’s Declining Support
Mbeki expressed concern over the ANC’s loss of more than 30% of its support over the past two decades, resulting in the loss of its parliamentary majority. He emphasized the necessity for the party to assess its capacity to lead society effectively. Mbeki stated, “The ANC must do serious introspection on whether it still commands enough capacity to lead society.”
Call for National Dialogue
Addressing the nation’s broader issues, Mbeki advocated for a national dialogue to allow citizens to voice their concerns and aspirations. He remarked, “The country is in real crisis, and it’s about time that the ordinary people of our country speak out. Let the people speak and say this is the South Africa we want.”
Critique of Government’s Economic Claims
Mbeki challenged the government’s assertions regarding employment improvements, citing Statistics South Africa’s data indicating a decline in the country’s GDP. He argued that claims of increased employment opportunities are unfounded, referencing official statistics that reflect economic contraction.
Concerns Over Unemployment, Poverty, and Inequality
Highlighting the persistent issues of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, Mbeki criticized the government’s failure to implement effective programs to address these challenges. He noted that the social compact intended to tackle these issues has been abandoned, leaving the country without a comprehensive plan to combat socio-economic disparities.
Reflection on ANC’s Renewal Process
Mbeki underscored the critical need for the ANC’s renewal, warning that the party’s survival depends on it. He shared an anecdote about a senior member’s concerns over the quality of new members, emphasizing that renewal must begin within the party’s ranks. Mbeki stated, “It’s either renewal or death. For me, it starts with us in the room. We are the mirror in the reflection of the ANC.”
Warnings of Potential Unrest
Drawing parallels to the Arab Spring, Mbeki warned that the ongoing socio-economic crises could lead to significant unrest if not addressed. He expressed fear that South Africa might experience its own version of such uprisings due to unresolved issues of unemployment and poverty.
Criticism of Policing and Governance
Mbeki criticized the current state of policing, advocating for a service-oriented approach rather than a militarized one. He called for a new police system that serves as a friend to the people, aligning with democratic values. Additionally, he questioned the ANC’s capacity to influence national discussions on critical issues, expressing doubt about the party’s current effectiveness.
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