South Africa: “Mbeki lost the ANC to himself”
Posted by africanpress on September 24, 2008
Johannesburg (South Africa) – President Thabo Mbeki tried to win the world for the ANC and lost the ANC to himself, said the Christian Democratic Alliance on Monday.
“A Head of State’s first responsibility is towards his own people and country,” the CDA said in a statement. “Mbeki neglected his party and duplicated the role of the minister of foreign affairs”.
The CDA, consisting among others the Christian Democratic Party, said Mbeki was notorious for his absence in parliament and travelled more often that the president of the United States.
It said the “mini-revolution” that took place in the ANC, resulting in Mbeki’s resignation, damaged South Africa.
“The good work he has done is nullified by the perception created that the country is just another African state where political instability is at the order of the day,” the statement read.
Mbeki’s legacy will be that he failed to alleviate the poverty, that he created the economic conditions for the material enrichment of a small number of the black elite, the alliance said.
Meanwhile, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa accused the ANC of being “blinded by arrogance” to even tell nation that Cabinet’s decision to appeal against Judge Nicholson’s ruling which was part of the context for the decision to push Mbeki out of office.
There were fears that the appeal would re-open the rifts in their midst.
The South African Chamber of Commerce (SACCI) and Industry said its trusts that the new leadership would be speedily resolved to minimise the uncertainty that might surround the transition
Wishing Mbeki “a well future”, SACCI CEO Neren Rau welcomed the ANC’s decision to retain Trevor Manual in his current portfolio as Minister of Finance.
In an open letter of thanks to Mbeki, the Federation of SA trade Unions noted with concern at the recall decision and Mbeki’s subsequent resignation.
Fedusa said it was particularly respectful of the dignified manner
in which he conducted himself through this difficult time, saying it admired Mbeki for the work done in Africa and the rest of the world to promote democracy, peace and stability.
“We call on all citizens and leaders of various organisations to refrain from making irresponsible media statements which could be detrimental to the good progress that was made and thereby undermine stability, economic certainty and peace in our country,” the statement read. – Sapa
—————–
API/source.Sapa (South Africa) – September 22, 2008.
