Mbeki’s renaissance work may continue
Ex-president’s project back in favour, writes Kailene Pillay
FORMER president Thabo Mbeki could soon continue his work on the African Renaissance project – which is aimed at encouraging African people and nations to overcome the challenges confronting the continent to achieve cultural, scientific and economic renewal.
Despite Mbeki’s unceremonious recall after his defeat by former president Jacob Zuma at the ANC’S Polokwane conference in 2007‚ the African Renaissance has remained a prominent feature of the ANC’S policies.
International Relations and Co-operation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is said to be paving the way for Mbeki’s return as she outlines plans to strengthen the country’s economic diplomacy with African neighbours.
She reportedly plans to use Mbeki as well as former president Kgalema Motlanthe to achieve this goal.
Mbeki’s work on the African Renaissance project also centred on encouraging South Africans to embrace an African identity, reintegrating Africa into the global economy, and urging Africans to adapt democracy to fit their own conditions without compromising its principles of representation and accountability.
On Africa Day on Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the 20th African Renaissance Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
Every year, a theme is decided for Africa Day, and this year the continent comes together around the theme of AU Agenda 2063, which promotes “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”. But opposition parties believe the costly project hasn’t achieved its purpose as envisioned by its chief architect, Mbeki.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane said the country had ceded its leadership role on the continent and the country, and was now a “laggard” in terms of accountability, openness, competitiveness and economic growth, where it should be leading the way.
“Our reputation on the global stage has suffered great harm over the last decade.
“We have befriended despots, supported autocrats, and protected murderers.
“We have turned away from our friends and harmed relationships. We have abandoned the human rights-based foreign policy of the Mandela government, and have harmed our national interests in doing so,” Maimane said.
He said in order to lead the continent, the country had to stand out as an example of where democracy and the rule of law were sacrosanct.
Ramaphosa needed to abandon plans to leave the International Criminal Court and be committed to a policy of respect for human rights.
He said Ramaphosa needed to ensure equality before the law, no matter the position or political power a person holds.
“We can send a message to the continent and the world that if you are corrupt, you will be prosecuted, no matter how powerful you are.
“Ramaphosa should abandon the illegitimate deal for the state to fund Zuma’s legal fees.
“He should appoint a truly independent and professional National Director of Public Prosecutions, with a mandate to go after corrupt senior politicians first,” he said.
Dr Corné Mulder of the Freedom Front Plus said Mandela’s legacy was being trampled on. He had tried to establish a legacy of integrity and respect for human rights. The Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre is an ongoing visual narrative documenting the life and times of the Jewish people in various parts of the world.the centre celebrated its 10th anniversary, along with the opening of the Victor Daitz Resource Centre, on Thursday.