Thabo Mbeki Urges ANC To Take Action And Win Back Public Trust
- Thabo Mbeki advises ANC on how to regain voter confidence nationwide
- ANC fails to secure majority vote in the recent General Election 2024
- Mbeki insists it's time for action, not just talk, to restore the party's reputation
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent over a decade covering the South African political scene, including crime and social issues.
Former ANC President Thabo Mbeki has urged the party to engage in serious self-reflection if it hopes to win back the trust of the South African people. Mbeki made these remarks during a recent two-day visit to the Free State, where he emphasized the importance of understanding why so many voters have turned away from the ANC.
Addressing the party’s disappointing performance in the national elections, Mbeki encouraged ANC members to stop focusing on internal power struggles and return to their revolutionary roots. He believes that the party needs to refocus its energy on serving the people rather than fighting for positions within the organization.
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Time to Walk the Walk, Not Just Talk the Talk
During his visit, Mbeki addressed several key issues, urging ANC members to prioritize action over rhetoric. At 82 years old, he emphasized that rebuilding trust with the public will depend on tangible actions rather than empty promises or endless debates.
Mbeki stressed that voters are looking for real change and results. He argued that the ANC must demonstrate through action that it is committed to addressing the concerns of ordinary South Africans. It’s not enough to simply talk about what needs to be done; the party must actively take steps to implement solutions.
Self-Reflection Is Key to Regaining Voter Support
Mbeki also pointed out that the election results were a clear signal from the people that they are dissatisfied with the ANC. He suggested that the party should engage in some serious introspection to understand the root causes of this dissatisfaction. In his words:
“What does this population think of us? We can’t dismiss the people as being wrong. If there’s any fault, it must lie with us. Therefore, we must make the necessary adjustments to address whatever grievances the people have.”
He reiterated that the time for idle chatter is over. The ANC must now focus on addressing the concerns raised by the electorate and work diligently to restore its credibility. Mbeki believes that without self-reflection and meaningful action, the party risks further losing the trust of the South African people.
ANC Faces Stiff Competition in Upcoming By-Elections
While the EFF failed to capitalize fully on the ANC’s declining popularity, Jacob Zuma’s MK Party made significant strides in the recent elections. This new political entity is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the upcoming by-elections.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that 23 municipal wards across five provinces will be contested in the by-elections scheduled for Wednesday, 11 September 2024. These elections will be closely watched as they could provide further insights into the shifting political landscape in South Africa.
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Mbeki Takes Aim at Jacob Zuma
In related news, Mbeki has been vocal in his criticism of Jacob Zuma, particularly regarding the formation of the MK Party. As reported by Briefly News, Mbeki expressed his dissatisfaction with Zuma’s decision to create a new political party, which he sees as undermining the unity and strength of the ANC.
Zuma faced scrutiny from an ANC national disciplinary committee over his political choices. Mbeki believes that Zuma’s actions have contributed to the fragmentation of the party and have complicated efforts to rebuild its reputation. With the ANC facing stiff competition in the political arena, Mbeki’s criticism reflects a growing concern within the party about how best to navigate these challenging times.
