ANC must self-introspect if it still has ambitions to lead: Mbeki

Former President Thabo Mbeki says the ANC must do serious introspection on whether it still commands enough capacity to lead society.

He was addressing the ANC’s Dullah Omar region in the Western Cape during a two-day discussion, titled “Challenges facing the ANC and the National Democratic Revolution.”

Much of the talks were about the importance of the ANC renewing itself to ensure its survival.

Mbeki says the renewal process within the organisation is critical.

“A senior member came to me to say… we met with President Jacob Zuma. He gave us membership. This is the kind of member we have. This is why renewal is important… Lots of people are sitting on the sidelines. I know the issue of clever blacks was raised. We must take that into context. It’s either renewal or death. For me, it starts with us in the room We are the mirror in the reflection of the ANC.”

Unemployment, poverty and inequality are at ever-increasing levels, with the government not having done enough to get civil society and the private sector involved, to assist with eradicating these.

And is the calibre of the average ANC member good enough?

Mbeki reckons not only does the party find itself in a crisis – but society as a whole.

He also reflected on the formation of the Government of National Unity which undertook to have a National Dialogue where all sectors of society will be able to raise their voice.

However, Mbeki has his doubts about whether the liberation movement will still be able to influence discussions.

“Does ANC have the capacity to influence that discussion? There are many topics on the agenda, economy, culture, health, education, this and that and everything. Will the ANC have the capacity to influence that discussion? I am not at all sure.”