Thabo Mbeki criticised for wanting Ramaphosa present during ANC talks on Phala Phala

African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa’s allies in the national working committee (NWC) have taken a dig at former President Thabo Mbeki, saying that he needs a talking to, while some have suggested he should not attend Monday’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

Mbeki – who is an ex-officio of the NEC – is said to be one of the leaders who demanded Ramaphosa’s presence as the party deliberated over the Phala Phala scandal.

This follows Parliament’s independent panel’s findings that a case for impeachment may be made against Ramaphosa after he failed to report the 2020 burglary at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.

Ramaphosa’s allies have closed rank over recent days, taking a firm stance in defence of the leader against some of his opponents in and out of the party.

As they dig in, a strange parallel can be drawn in some of the approaches adopted which seemingly possess the hallmarks of strategies during the height of the Jacob Zuma era.

These are said to have been on display at Sunday’s NWC meeting, as some of Ramaphosa’s lieutenants criticized former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo and Mbeki over recent developments.

The publication understands that some in the president’s corner went as far as suggesting that Ngcobo had a predetermined outcome and followed a script when dealing with the Phala Phala investigation.

While sentiments around reining in Mbeki are said to have been expressed, this armed with criticism about how the 80-year-old did not seem to understand his role as an elder in the organization.

Mbeki is expected back at Monday’s reconvened NEC meeting.

Thabo Mbeki defined what Africa should be, says Lehohla

Former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla says Thabo Mbeki defined what Africa should be.

On Saturday evening, former heads of state and other leaders attended a gala dinner in Sandton to celebrate the former president’s 80th birthday.

The gala was hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

“He is a man who really defined what Africa should be like. He is someone who has given us a vision of what Africa is it’s him,” Lehohla said.

“That says a lot about his depth of understanding of the development and how development can be managed. He has been a great assist to the country. We embrace and celebrate with him the 80th anniversary.”

President Ramaphosa honours Thabo Mbeki on 80th birthday

President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured former President Thabo Mbeki for his wisdom and contributions to democratic South Africa.

In his message to Mbeki on his 80th birthday, Ramaphosa has promised that Mbeki will live to see South Africa rise to its full potential.

Ramaphosa says work is being done to address challenges in the country.

He was speaking in a recorded video message.

“On the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the constitution, you said a leader should not lie but understand the challenges.

“It is more important now than ever that we remember why we’ve been elected. We were not elected to distract our people with false hope and promises,” Ramaphosa said.

“We want to tell you that we are steadily rebuilding our country back. We’re rebuilding, restoring the economy and creating opportunities for our people.”

Thabo Mbeki: Political discussions needed to resolve factions in the ANC

Former president Thabo Mbeki reckons more political discussions are needed to resolve factions within the ANC.

He’s been part of efforts to restore unity in the ANC in the Western Cape.

Mbeki says practical solutions are required.