The ANC is turning to former President Thabo Mbeki in a bid to revive the party’s declining electoral fortunes ahead of the national and provincial elections on May 29.
Experts suggest that Mbeki’s popularity could help boost the ANC’s campaign, which is currently led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mbeki has been actively campaigning in key regions such as KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng. KZN, being the stronghold of former President Jacob Zuma’s opposition party, the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK), poses a significant challenge for the ANC.
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The party is also facing competition from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which has formed a post-election coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
If the ANC fails to secure a coalition with the DA, their only option would be to seek a partnership with Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to counter the MK-IFP-DA coalition.
However, there are concerns about Malema’s trustworthiness, as he has hinted at joining forces with the MK.
On the other hand, the DA, IFP, and other members of the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa remain opposed to forming a partnership with the MK, ANC, or EFF, maintaining their principled opposition.
Mbeki’s involvement in the campaign is crucial for the ANC to retain control over KZN and Gauteng. The ruling party has faced constant threats of being toppled by a DA-led coalition in these provinces.
Political analyst Prof. Ntsikelelo Breakfast points out that the ANC has engaged Mbeki in its campaign due to his popularity, as confirmed by a recent scientific survey. Mbeki’s contribution is seen as a way to secure much-needed votes for the ANC.
However, Breakfast also highlights that Mbeki has certain demands regarding corruption and other issues that the ANC must address.
Political science professor Dirk Kotzé suggests that Mbeki’s decision to join the campaign was influenced by Zuma’s attacks on the ANC using the MK as a platform.
Kotzé believes that Mbeki’s participation is driven by his resentment towards Zuma and his desire to showcase a different ANC, free from Zuma’s influence.
Mbeki recognizes the ANC’s current challenges and the need for unity within the party. By actively participating in the campaign, he aims to demonstrate that the ANC has moved on from the Zuma era and created a more inclusive and comfortable environment for himself and others.
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