In Picture: Thabo Mbeki and Mxolisi Dukwana
In a recent address to the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State, former President Thabo Mbeki expressed critical concerns about the state of the organisation, with a specific focus on the quality of its membership. Speaking during a two-day meeting hosted by the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in Welkom, Mbeki emphasised the need for revolutionary change, warning of the dangers posed by individuals who join the party with ulterior motives. Mbeki’s visit, part of a nationwide campaign to rejuvenate the ANC following its poor performance in the most recent national elections, underscores the importance of introspection and renewal within the party.
The gathering, which commenced on 6 September 2024, was aimed at discussing several pressing issues within the ANC, including its renewal and unity, as per the resolutions adopted at the party’s 54th National Conference in 2017. Mbeki’s address highlighted the importance of addressing the growing disconnection between ANC leaders and the communities they serve, a matter raised repeatedly during the meeting. His concerns about the quality of ANC membership struck a chord, particularly as the party faces challenges both internally and externally.
Renewing the ANC: A Call for Self-Reflection
Mbeki’s address called on the PEC to take a hard look at the state of the organisation, urging them to conduct a thorough analysis of the ANC’s internal structures and practices. He noted that a significant issue facing the party is the infiltration of “anti-revolutionaries,” both locally and internationally, whose primary goal is to weaken the ANC. These individuals, Mbeki warned, are focused on personal enrichment rather than upholding the values of the party, and they often ascend to leadership positions, further damaging the organisation’s integrity.
“People whose motivation is the accumulation of wealth could join the ANC and even be elevated to leadership positions, to the detriment of the organisation,” Mbeki remarked during his address. He stressed the need for vigilance against such individuals, noting that their presence undermines the ANC’s credibility and alienates its core supporters.
Mbeki also warned of breakaway parties led by former ANC members who had once been in leadership positions but were instrumental in nearly destroying state institutions. These splinter groups, he argued, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing such individuals to hold power within the ANC.
A Focus on ANC Membership Quality
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Mbeki’s address was his focus on the quality of the ANC’s membership. He raised the alarm over the fact that many members may no longer be aligned with the party’s revolutionary goals, calling for a re-evaluation of membership to ensure that only those truly committed to the ANC’s mission remain. Mbeki suggested that all members should be required to re-apply for membership, allowing the party to weed out those whose values are no longer in line with its core principles.
“We need revolutionary change, which will inevitably be met with opposition. We seek to build a non-sexist and non-racial society, and to bring about this change requires genuine revolutionaries,” he stated.
This call for a re-evaluation of membership comes at a time when the ANC is grappling with declining support, both in terms of voter turnout and party participation. The former president’s remarks reflect a growing concern within the ANC leadership that the party has drifted away from its roots, and that many of its members are more interested in personal gain than in serving the public.
The Free State: A Birthplace for Renewal
Mbeki’s choice of the Free State as the location for his renewal mission was not coincidental. As the birthplace of the ANC, the province holds a special place in the party’s history, and Mbeki urged the Free State PEC to take the lead in driving the renewal programme. The Free State, he said, should serve as an example to the rest of the country, demonstrating the ANC’s commitment to self-reflection and reform.
“What is concerning is that resolutions of successive conferences of the ANC on renewal have not been implemented,” Mbeki noted. He expressed frustration that despite the numerous calls for change, little has been done to address the underlying issues plaguing the party. Mbeki’s comments highlight a long-standing issue within the ANC: the gap between rhetoric and action.
The former president also pointed out that the establishment of a renewal committee, chaired by the Provincial Chairperson Mxolisi Dukwana, was a step in the right direction. He commended the PEC for their willingness to confront the party’s challenges head-on and for their commitment to finding solutions to the problems that have contributed to the ANC’s decline in electoral support.
The ANC’s Electoral Decline: A Time for Action
One of the key themes of Mbeki’s address was the ANC’s recent electoral setbacks. In the wake of the party’s poor performance in the 2024 national general elections, there has been widespread concern within the ANC about its ability to maintain its political dominance. Mbeki acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that the decline in support was a clear sign that the party needed to change its approach.
“The decline in electoral support was a setback, and in light of that, it was important for the province to self-reflect. We must do the necessary corrections and must respond to the people. Our response must not be about what we say, but about what we do,” Mbeki asserted.
Mbeki’s words echoed sentiments expressed by other ANC leaders in recent months, including those of current party president Cyril Ramaphosa, who has repeatedly called for the renewal and reform of the organisation. However, Mbeki’s message was clear: it is not enough to talk about change. The ANC must take concrete steps to regain the trust of its supporters and reconnect with the communities it serves.
Unity and Renewal: The Way Forward
Throughout his address, Mbeki stressed the importance of unity within the ANC. The divisions within the party, he argued, have only served to weaken its standing in the eyes of the public. The former president called on ANC members to put aside their differences and work together to restore the organisation’s integrity.
Mbeki’s call for unity was particularly relevant given the ongoing tensions within the ANC, both at a provincial and national level. The meeting in the Free State came just months after the ANC’s bruising election defeat, which saw the party lose its majority in several key provinces, including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. These losses have led to increased infighting within the party, with various factions vying for control.
Despite these challenges, Mbeki expressed optimism that the ANC could turn the tide if it embraced the principles of unity and renewal. He pointed to the work being done by the PEC in the Free State as an example of how the party could begin to rebuild itself from the ground up.
Infiltration by “Anti-Revolutionaries”
One of the most concerning points Mbeki raised during his address was the infiltration of the ANC by “anti-revolutionary” forces. These elements, both local and international, have been undermining the party from within, weakening its structures and its ability to fulfil its mandate as a movement for liberation and societal change. Mbeki warned that these individuals are often driven by personal ambition rather than the well-being of the country, and they have infiltrated the upper echelons of the party.
“We must remain vigilant,” Mbeki warned. “The ANC has been infiltrated by individuals whose sole objective is personal wealth and power. These are the enemies of the revolution, and they seek to destroy the party from within.”
According to the former president, the emergence of breakaway political parties, many of which are led by former ANC members, is a direct result of this infiltration. These breakaway factions have contributed to the fragmentation of the party and have weakened the ANC’s ability to maintain a united front in the face of electoral and governance challenges.
Veteran’s League Report: A Stark Warning
The ANC Veteran’s League also presented a report during the meeting, painting a grim picture of the state of the party. The report revealed that unless urgent steps are taken to address internal strife, corruption, and disconnection from the people, the ANC risks further decline. The Veteran’s League highlighted the ongoing erosion of the ANC’s core values and the loss of credibility among the electorate.
The report emphasised that while the ANC has been South Africa’s ruling party for decades, it has drifted away from its revolutionary roots, and this disconnection has allowed for the rise of opportunistic leaders more interested in self-enrichment than in serving the public.
Re-Applying for Membership: A Bold Move for Renewal
One of Mbeki’s most controversial proposals during the meeting was the suggestion that all ANC members be required to re-apply for membership. He argued that this move would help to identify those members who are genuinely committed to the party’s vision and values and to weed out those who have joined for personal gain.
This proposal is not without its challenges. It is likely to face resistance from those who have benefited from the current structures within the party and who may feel threatened by such a drastic measure. However, Mbeki remained firm in his belief that this step is essential if the ANC is to rebuild itself as a party of integrity and revolutionary values.
“The ANC cannot move forward unless we make tough decisions,” Mbeki stated. “We must ensure that only those who are truly committed to the party’s vision remain. It is not enough to simply be a member in name. We need members who are dedicated to the cause.”
The Free State’s Role in Leading the Renewal Programme
Mbeki pointed to the Free State’s unique position as the birthplace of the ANC and its role in leading the party’s renewal. He urged the PEC to take a leadership role in the renewal efforts, setting an example for the rest of the country.
Factionalism and Positional Politics
The issue of factionalism has long plagued the ANC, and Mbeki did not shy away from addressing it. During a candid conversation with Free State ANC Chairperson Mxolisi Dukwana, Mbeki discussed the problem of members vying for political positions for personal gain. He referenced remarks by former ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe about the culture of positional politics within the party, a phenomenon Mbeki views as detrimental to the movement.
This issue of factionalism and positional politics is further compounded by recent internal conflicts within the Free State ANC. The provincial ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has expressed discontent with the exclusion of younger voices from leadership positions, despite their push for greater representation. The ANCYL Chairperson, Xolani Tseletsele, voiced his concerns over the recent appointments in the Provincial Executive Council (Exco), arguing that young capable members have been sidelined.
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