Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has hit the campaign trail in Soweto, rallying support for the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the upcoming elections on May 29th. With the ANC facing its toughest electoral challenge in decades, Mbeki’s presence underscores the party’s determination to retain power and address the nation’s pressing issues.
In his impassioned speeches, Thabo Mbeki urged South Africans to cast their votes in favor of the ANC, emphasizing the party’s commitment to tackling the country’s problems. However, he also acknowledged the need for the ANC to address its internal challenges before fully addressing the nation’s issues.
Facing Electoral Threats
“For the first time in 30 years, the ANC faces a real threat to its parliamentary majority,” Mbeki noted, highlighting the significance of the upcoming elections. Indeed, recent years have seen a steady erosion of support for the ANC, necessitating a concerted effort to regain voter trust.
One of the internal challenges the ANC has faced is the standoff with its former leader, Jacob Zuma, who now heads the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Zuma’s public declaration of support for the MK Party posed a direct challenge to the ANC’s authority and unity. However, Thabo Mbeki defended the ANC’s handling of the situation, stressing the importance of adherence to the party’s constitution.
Thabo Mbeki Defends ANC’s Actions
“The decision to take him [Zuma] to the disciplinary committee is in accordance with the ANC’s constitution,” Mbeki affirmed, emphasizing the party’s commitment to upholding its internal rules and procedures.
During his campaign appearances, Thabo Mbeki assured voters that the ANC is poised for change and improvement. He acknowledged the party’s weaknesses and pledged to address them for the betterment of South Africa. Despite criticisms of the delay in expelling Zuma, Mbeki emphasized that it was not an act of cowardice but a demonstration of loyalty to the ANC’s constitution.
“This is the same way we must be loyal to the national constitution. So, the position that the ANC leadership has taken in terms of procedure is correct,” Mbeki maintained.
The Power Lies with the People
Mbeki reiterated the ANC’s message to the electorate, emphasizing that the choice lies with the people. “The ANC would go to the people to say you know who we are, this is what we want to do and say in our manifesto,” he declared. “We recognize our weaknesses in ourselves, and this is what we are going to do to correct them.”
As the ANC intensifies its campaign efforts in the run-up to the elections, Mbeki’s presence serves as a reminder of the party’s formidable history and its enduring commitment to South Africa’s future. The outcome of the elections will ultimately rest in the hands of the voters, who will decide the ANC’s fate and the direction of the nation.