Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed the widespread belief that the July 2021 unrest was triggered by former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest, calling it a “complete lie.”
Speaking to the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans in Bloemfontein, Mbeki stated that the riots—which resulted in over 300 deaths and billions of rands in damage—were orchestrated by counter-revolutionaries testing their ability to destabilize the country.
He argued that the same forces are now attempting to undermine the ANC. Mbeki urged veterans to continue protecting the party and the nation’s democratic gains.
ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe also addressed the gathering, encouraging members to be vocal and active within the party structures.