In the aftermath of the ANC's disappointing performance in the recent elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reached out to former President Thabo Mbeki for guidance. Ramaphosa reportedly met with Mbeki on Saturday to seek his input on how to navigate the party through the upcoming coalition talks.
The unprecedented meeting between two ANC presidents has left the nation buzzing with curiosity, as Ramaphosa grapples with the aftermath of the party's disappointing performance in the recent elections.
Insiders with knowledge of the meeting revealed that Ramaphosa reached out to Mbeki following the realization that the ANC would need to enter into a coalition. It is no secret that the current president and Mbeki have had a contentious relationship since Ramaphosa assumed office. Mbeki, known for his astute political insights and unwavering dedication to the ANC, has publicly criticized Ramaphosa's government on various occasions. In a leaked recording from the national executive committee (NEC) in 2022, Ramaphosa himself expressed his disappointment in the lack of support from the former statesman.
It is against this backdrop that Ramaphosa's decision to consult Mbeki takes on added significance. The president's desire to tap into Mbeki's wealth of experience and strategic acumen can be seen as a bold attempt to steer the ANC back on course and navigate the complex terrain of coalition talks.
The meeting, which took place on Saturday, has raised eyebrows and sparked intense speculation about the topics discussed behind closed doors. Sources close to Luthuli House revealed that Mbeki had persistently requested a meeting with Ramaphosa prior to the elections, expressing concerns about the president's apparent reluctance to engage. This only adds to the intrigue surrounding their encounter and the significance it holds for the future of the ANC.
While details of the meeting remain largely undisclosed, insiders suggest that Ramaphosa and Mbeki delved into discussions about the future of the party and the role of former President Jacob Zuma, whose presence continues to cast a shadow over the ANC. The complexities surrounding Zuma's legacy and the potential impact on the ANC's reputation have undoubtedly been a cause for concern within the party's ranks.
As the ANC grapples with the reality of losing two key provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, and its overall majority in the country, Ramaphosa and his allies face an uphill battle within the NEC. The prospect of forming a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) has divided opinions, with influential figures such as party chair Gwede Mantashe and deputy president Paul Mashatile reportedly skeptical of such an alliance. The ANC's decision to propose a government of national unity (GNU), as reported by the Sunday Times, is seen as a strategic move to manage the coalition process while avoiding potential backlash from choosing between the DA and other parties, such as the MK Party and EFF.
The ANC's encounter with the DA on Monday presented different models for consideration, including a "supply and confidence agreement" inspired by Canada's minority government formation. These negotiations highlight the delicate intricacies of coalition building and the intricate dance of political alliances that lie ahead.
While the details of Ramaphosa's consultation with Mbeki are yet to be fully disclosed, the mere fact that two ANC presidents engaged in such a meeting speaks volumes about the challenges facing the party. As South Africans eagerly await further developments, the nation stands on the precipice of a new political era, one that will test the ANC's ability to adapt and navigate a changing landscape.
Thabo Mbeki Foundation spokesperson Siyabulela Gebe refused to comment on the meeting, and a spokesperson for the Presidency could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. The significance of this unprecedented encounter cannot be understated, as it has the potential to shape the future direction of the ANC and determine the party's ability to regain lost ground.
As the ANC stands at a crossroads, the nation watches with bated breath, wondering if this historic meeting between two ANC presidents will be the catalyst for a resurgence or a mere footnote in the annals of South African political history.
