Economic Freedom Fighters Member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has made a striking claim regarding the funeral arrangements of the late African National Congress veteran and former finance minister, Tito Mboweni. Ndlozi has alleged that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration deliberately removed former President Thabo Mbeki from the program of speakers, despite the expressed wishes of Mboweni and his family.
In a statement shared on his social media platform, Ndlozi raised concerns about the exclusion of Mbeki, who had a significant political relationship with Mboweni. “Seemingly, the Cyril Ramaphosa government refused or removed Thabo Mbeki from the program of Tito Mboweni’s funeral. This is despite the family stating that it was Mboweni’s wish for Mbeki to be one of the speakers at his funeral,” Ndlozi alleged.
Seemingly, the Cyril Ramaphosa government refused or removed Thabo Mbeki from the program of Tito Mboweni’s funeral. This is despite the family stating that it was Mboweni’s wish for Mbeki to be one of the speakers in his funeral.
Here is a prepared speech, which Mbeki couldn’t… https://t.co/9CpzwCMw4f pic.twitter.com/3LzWnxqMrX
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) October 22, 2024
His statement has sparked controversy, given the prominence of both Mbeki and Mboweni in the history of the ANC and the broader South African political landscape. Mboweni, had held numerous influential roles, including as Minister of Finance. He was a respected leader both within the ANC and in the broader economic and political sectors.
The funeral program, which was initially expected to include speeches from some of the country’s key political figures, became a point of contention following these allegations.
The Presidency and the ANC have also not issued any formal statements regarding the allegations. However, the comments made the EFF member of parliament have reignited debates about the internal politics of the ANC, particularly the divisions that have surfaced within the party over recent years.
