POLITICAL REALITIES
STEVEN FRIEDMAN: Gilding ANC’s past will not help the future
‘The view that an ideal past was disturbed by bad people is a strong theme of some ANC veterans who want leadership change’
While some of us hope for a better future, others prefer to improve the past.
A recent much-discussed interview with former president Thabo Mbeki highlighted a strong theme in today’s political debate: prettifying the past to criticise the present. This works for those who do it. But it does not help the country get to grips with its problems.
As in his other recent contributions to public debate, Mbeki showed no interest in using his intellect to consider the strengths and weaknesses of his presidency. Instead, he insisted that he was removed from office by a campaign based on "lies". So nothing was wrong with the ANC or government under his leadership — he was forced out only because bad people, driven no doubt by ambition and greed, twisted the truth. This describes a part of reality. But it also removes from discussion not only Mbeki’s moral responsibility for denying life-giving treatment to millions living with HIV and AIDS, but the questions his presidency raises for the future. Whatever their motives, his detractors would not have succeeded if there was no widespread sense in the ANC that power was concentrated in the presidency, that management techniques were prized above listening to people and that those who disagreed were treated as fools or frauds.Mbeki was arguably then the most intelligent head of governme...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.