Launch of Khulu Mbatha’s book at NMU

IN A contemplative, yet hard-hitting book, Khulu Mbatha reflects on the failures of the ANC.

This includes a critical assessment of its more than two decades in government, including the party’s failure to honour the principles and values of the Freedom Charter and to come to terms with the charter’s precepts for running the economy.

Unmasked: Why the ANC failed to govern includes the negotiations at Codesa, and the compromises the ANC had to make.

Needless to say, things did not turn out as expected.

Mbatha, who has been in the ANC for more than 40 years, holding various positions, launched the book at Nelson Mandela University on Tuesday night.

With a series of questions, he uses the book to probe the motives of the governing party.

Port Elizabeth businessman Mkhuseli Jack was part of a panel that discussed the book at the launch.

Jack described it as his “bible”, saying it not only describes important events that shaped today’s ANC, but suggests how the party can move forward.

The ANC is trapped in an outdated ideology that does not speak about the current struggles of black South Africans – author Khulu Mbatha

I do not think that the ANC has failed to govern. Instead, It has done extremely well for a liberation movement. I am excited to read the book and also the suggestions of what we can do to improve on what we have not done well. Ben Fihla, 87, former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor

The ANC has not governed because there are still many people living under the poverty line, and it has been in power for more than 20 years. I think it has done well but it could do better. Motsheibi Segopolo, 20, NMU student

I think the ANC will welcome this book as we are not shy of being criticised. I think the book’s title is harsh as the ANC has not failed to govern. Luyolo Nqakula, 24, ANC Youth League regional task team coordinator