Former South African president Thabo Mbeki caused a stir at the ANC NEC meeting held at Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg.
SABC journalist, Samkele Maseko, bombarded Mbeki with questions as he stepped out of his car. The questions centered around Mbeki’s recent meeting with ANC top brass and what was discussed during the meeting.
Mbeki refused to discuss the matter, telling Maseko to ask the officials themselves.
The meeting between Mbeki and the ANC officials followed his letter to deputy president Paul Mashatile, calling for him to deal with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phalaphala saga.
Reports indicate that during the meeting, the ANC officials made it clear that they would not sell Ramaphosa out and vowed to defend him. This seems to have angered Mbeki, leading to his dismissive response to Maseko’s questions.
Former President #ThaboMbeki arriving at the party’s #ANCNEC meeting. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/CVPnV7ovyg
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) April 21, 2023
Meanwhile, the NEC meeting will be addressed by Hage Geingob, the SWAPO President from Namibia, later in the day. The ANC and SWAPO have strong historical ties, but both liberation movements are facing electoral decline.
This incident highlights the challenges journalists face when asking tough questions to high-profile individuals.
It also underscores the sensitivity of political matters in South Africa, where tensions between factions within the ruling party are high.
Mbeki’s dismissive response may indicate deeper divisions within the party and highlights the challenges President Ramaphosa faces in maintaining unity within the ANC.
