“There has been no national plan to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality — it doesn’t exist,” said Mbeki.
He also raised concerns that some people had joined the ANC to enrich themselves and where thus involved in factional battles.
“We must address local government ... that level of government that is directly in contact with the people every day. What message are we communicating to the masses?
“The crisis of what is happening in local government is illustrated by Mangaung. And who are the people who are paralysing Mangaung? It is ANC people who are fighting among themselves”
Many of Mbeki’s comments were met with agreement from some in the crowd.
The ANC is due to hold its policy conference next week, where it will discuss organisational renewal, its plan for the economy and other pressing issues.
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WATCH | 'We're going to have our own Arab Spring': Mbeki's full address at Duarte memorial
Former statesman among speakers, along with Deputy President David Mabuza
Former president Thabo Mbeki issued a stern warning to the ruling party on Thursday when he told ANC leaders to honour their promises to citizens.
He also warned that the country could face an “Arab Spring”, mirroring the uprising that began in 2010 around the Arab world due to unhappiness with political rulers.
Mbeki was among the speakers at the memorial service for Jessie Duarte held at the Johannesburg City Hall. Duarte was the party’s deputy secretary-general and had been on medical leave for several months due to cancer.
Mbeki said the ANC had to move away from “slogans”.
“To honour that legacy and to respect what we mean when we say 'long live the spirit' [of Duarte], it means that there is a number of things we need to do.
POLL | What do you think of Thabo Mbeki’s criticism of Ramaphosa?
“There has been no national plan to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality — it doesn’t exist,” said Mbeki.
He also raised concerns that some people had joined the ANC to enrich themselves and where thus involved in factional battles.
“We must address local government ... that level of government that is directly in contact with the people every day. What message are we communicating to the masses?
“The crisis of what is happening in local government is illustrated by Mangaung. And who are the people who are paralysing Mangaung? It is ANC people who are fighting among themselves”
Many of Mbeki’s comments were met with agreement from some in the crowd.
The ANC is due to hold its policy conference next week, where it will discuss organisational renewal, its plan for the economy and other pressing issues.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
WATCH | Ramaphosa has failed to deliver on promises made during Sona, says Thabo Mbeki
LISTEN | Jessie Duarte remembered as ‘revolutionary’
‘Keep my father’s name out your mouth’: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla takes aim at Zweli Mkhize
Ninth ANC KZN conference marred by delays
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