Portrait of Thabo Mbeki
Politician · concept
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Thabo Mbeki on ANC

Loyal but critical member (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Thabo Mbeki remains a committed ANC member but is critical of current internal setbacks, suggesting some may be orchestrated.

Key Points

  • He was elected unopposed as ANC president in December 1997, succeeding Nelson Mandela.

  • In his closing statement at the 2nd NGC in July 2005, he emphasized the ANC Oath against material gain.

  • He suggested in January 2026 that the party's recent setbacks could be linked to a national security management system from the apartheid era that was never dismantled.

Summary

Thabo Mbeki’s position on the African National Congress (ANC) is complex, rooted in deep loyalty established over decades, yet marked by increasing critique of the post-2007 trajectory of the organization. He has actively participated in shaping the party’s ideology and structure, including serving as its President from 1997 until late 2007. This commitment was underscored by his willingness to step down as national president in 2008 at the party's request, stating he did so as a committed and loyal member of the ANC for over five decades.

However, since his departure from the presidency and even during his post-presidency commentary, he has expressed concern over internal challenges, specifically suggesting that recent electoral decline and party setbacks might be the result of orchestrated action by counter-revolutionary forces or elements from the former apartheid security machinery that were never dismantled. He continues to reflect on perceived problems within the ANC and its leadership, indicating an ongoing, albeit critical, engagement with the party’s direction and the need for renewal based on its founding principles.

Key Quotes

“that I will work towards making the ANC an even more effective instrument of liberation in the hands of the people”,

“This thing that we have done today, in this small corner of a great continent that has contributed so decisively to the evolution of humanity says that Africa reaffirms that she is continuing her rise from the ashes.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Thabo Mbeki maintains his membership in the ANC, demonstrating long-term loyalty to the organization. However, he is vocal about his concerns regarding its current state, often reflecting critically on leadership and internal issues. This reflects a stance of a loyal member who is also a keen internal critic.

No, Thabo Mbeki did not resign from the ANC. He resigned as the President of South Africa in September 2008 at the request of the ANC National Executive Committee. He stated at the time that he acceded as a committed and loyal member of the party.

Thabo Mbeki suggested in 2026 that the ANC's recent electoral decline might not be accidental but orchestrated by forces linked to the former apartheid security structures. He urged the party to face up to its crisis, implying deep-seated issues that require addressing.