Julius Malema, the firebrand leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), made explosive allegations against former South African President Thabo Mbeki during a recent rally in Soweto. Malema accused Mbeki of succumbing to pressure from wealthy families, the Oppenheimer and the Rupert, which allegedly led to the exposure of Mbeki voting preferences.
Julius Malema🗣
“Thabo Mbeki formed COPE. When asked who he would vote for, he said his vote was his secret. Today, what has changed? Thabo Mbeki’s vote is no longer a secret. That’s because the Oppenheimers and the Ruperts threatened to take away his wife’s shares.” pic.twitter.com/n7eb57kbed
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) May 4, 2024
“Thabo Mbeki formed COPE. When asked who he would vote for, he said his vote was his secret. Today, what has changed? Thabo Mbeki vote is no longer a secret. That’s because the Oppenheimer and the Rupert threatened to take away his wife’s shares,” Malema asserted, igniting a storm of controversy.
Mbeki, a former president who served from 1999 to 2008, was a founding member of the Congress of the People (COPE) party in 2008 after being recalled by the African National Congress (ANC). Malema remarks imply that Mbeki initial secrecy regarding his voting intentions shifted due to external pressure exerted by powerful business figures.
Malema claims highlight the alleged intertwining of economic influence and political decision-making in South Africa. The Oppenheimer and Rupert families, both known for their substantial economic clout, have long been at the center of debates concerning their political influence.
These allegations by Malema resonate with broader concerns about the relationship between money and politics in South Africa. Critics argue that the immense wealth wielded by families like the Oppenheimer and Rupert can potentially sway political decisions, compromising the democratic process. However, representatives of the Oppenheimer and Rupert families have vehemently denied Malema accusations. They assert that there is no truth to the claims of threatening Mbeki wife’s shares to influence his voting preferences.
In response to Malema statements, political analysts and commentators have called for evidence to support such serious allegations. While Malema is known for his bold rhetoric, critics argue that without concrete proof, his claims risk being dismissed as politically motivated attacks.
The controversy stirred by Malema accusations underscores the ongoing tensions between political leaders and wealthy elites in South Africa. As the country grapples with issues of transparency and accountability, the role of money in shaping political outcomes continues to be a topic of intense debate. Thabo Mbeki has yet to respond to Malema allegations, leaving the public to speculate on the veracity of the claims and the broader implications for South Africa’s political landscape.
