In the article titled " In Soccer the South African Tender Practice Would be Own Goal", I wrote: "it is silly to make plans that rely significantly on politicians. I say this with little care about country or continent, for politics and politicians' unreliability is legendary and pervasive". The proverbial ink had hardly dried on the paper I wrote on when I read about the possibility of Julius Malema and Thabo Mbeki joining forces against Jacob Zuma in the big fight for the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC). I had heard Malema talking about his attempts to get Thabo Mbeki back into playing some role in the ANC and had not taken this seriously as, relying on my recollection of Malema's role in the down-fall of Mbeki, I dismissed this as unlikely. Apparently top ANC and government officials involved in the ANC contest for leadership have confirmed to the City Press newspaper that Mbeki could come back into politics to boost the anti-Zuma faction.
Malema and the downfall of Thabo Mbeki and his about turn
While there were probably many factors that played a role in the removal of Thabo Mbeki from the presidency of the ANC first and, later that of the country, very few people--if any at all--would dispute the pivotal role played by the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the project. The unkind things that Malema said about Mbeki are hard to forget. It was during the time of the fight for installation of Jacob Zuma as the president of the country that Malema uttered some of his brave statements such as being willing to "kill for Zuma" and "Thabo Mbeki and his people being the problem in the country". Malema's anti-Mbeki rhetoric left no doubt as to his disapproval of Mbeki.
It was only when his relationship with Zuma lost its spark that Malema showed signs of having gone to the shelves of history to retrieve Mbeki, dust him off and parade him as one of or the best presidents the ANC ever had. This about turn by Julius Malema was not as surprising as the revelation of Mbeki being willing--if indeed he is--to not only reconcile with Malema but also join forces against Zuma. What factors really play a role when politicians make their decisions? Is it simply expediency?
Interesting Times with no dull Moment in South African Political Sphere
There is even some suggestion that Mbeki may agree or seek to hold a top position--such as chairperson or president. What is it that Mbeki would be hoping to achieve by doing this besides getting back at Zuma? I agree with Parlo Jordaan who reacted to this possibility (Mbeki availing himself for a top position) as unlikely because Mbeki had "reached the top of the tree”. This is an observation that is as informed as it is wise. Perhaps Thabo Mbeki has not learnt to count his blessings and has not realised that they are plenty. Important of these is the fact that, despite having been unceremoniously removed from the country's presidency, he left without too many bruises. Recently in Mangaung he is said to have received a loud applause from ANC members--something it may be added--he never enjoyed during his presidency. The truth is: Mbeki was never popular. Also important is the fact that he left the high office with relatively clean hands. Now why can't he just enjoy his retirement and other academic pursuits? Or is there something about political office that attracts those who left to come back for more bruising and/or blood letting?
Has Mbeki, perhaps, been attracted by the apparent love ANC members have for him as expressed in the applause he was welcomed with during the recent Centenary celebrations? Well he would do well to remember that it was also these ANC members who shouted him down at the 2007 Polokwane conference. These are interesting times indeed and it would be even more interesting to see how long the relationship between Malema and Mbeki will last should their rumoured marriage be solemnised. We would all do well to expect the unexpected! In the meantime, Jacob Zuma must be a worried man as Malema and Mbeki are smoking the peace pipe. After all, the same newspaper report on this rumoured partnership also reveals that he (Zuma) was worried enough by Mbeki's popularity among ANC members to have been moved to order cancellation of Mbeki's scheduled address at a gala dinner.
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