The question of Mbeki
INTERESTING ideas have emerged since former president Thabo Mbeki published his first essay on his Facebook page last week, promising a series. Most useful, perhaps, were some of the thoughts of ANC veteran Mathews Phosa, who, while rejecting the legendary 2001 “plot” to get rid of Mbeki, is urging his party to make proper use of the man it recalled in 2008.
Phosa was, of course, one of the alleged “plotters”. His view, despite that, is that Mbeki ought not to be castigated by the party for going public with his controversial views. These were not only about the undue treatment Mbeki believes he has experienced, but also the events of 2001.
Perhaps in this era of deep ANC factionalism and a drop in support, it’s difficult to again grasp how incendiary those claims were at the time. But Mbeki has clearly not forgotten.
Phosa’s opinion seems to be that the ANC needs to look past that, and bring Mbeki back in at a functioning level. Of late, the party has quietly helped take the shine when Mbeki has succeeded in his negotiating role in Africa. The former ANC treasurer feels Mbeki should be part of a council of elders to advise the party. He surprised some by calling Mbeki a “great asset to this country” and “a good leader” in a Sunday newspaper. An asset, yes, but we must be sober-minded around Mbeki.
We shouldn’t wonder at the respect he still holds for many patriots for his distinguished and mighty brain. But it is perhaps the apparent dearth of intellectualism inside the current ANC leadership that is leading us there. Since Pallo Jordan, also a man of extensive intellect, was exposed and then disappeared from sight, the country has lacked an authentic thought leader in the political ranks.
If truth be told, Mbeki is remembered far more for his adverse position, if not denialism, on HIV and Aids. Many are unable to get past that – or the numbers of people who died while they could, and should, have got treatment on his watch. That’s always going to be a tough one for Mbeki to exceed, though he is likely to address it in a future essay.
The big question, however, is: Why is Mbeki coming forward to right his record now?