The right to speak out
FORMER President Thabo Mbeki's return from self-imposed exile at the weekend is very welcome.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, accompanied by former president Thabo Mbeki, addressed the Day of Reconciliation event at Freedom Park in Tshwane. Photo: ELMOND JIYANEThose who still have the ability to distinguish between wrong and right must speak out
Mbeki had ostracised himself from domestic politics following his forced resignation from the Presidency in 2008
Since then, he decided not to comment on domestic political matters - at least not in public.
He had been focusing on international matters, including resolving the conflict in Sudan.
To a certain extent, the rationale for staying out of domestic politics made sense. It's better to give your successor space to govern without interference.
Mbeki also didn't want to rule from the grave - although he was suspected of plotting to do the opposite when he sought re-election in Polokwane.
But self-imposed exile from your own country for whose freedom you have worked tirelessly does not make sense.
Mbeki had been in forced exile for too long during the struggle against apartheid. To endure another form of exile under a democracy was unnecessary and wrong.
Though a lot went terribly wrong while Mbeki was at the helm, it does not, however, mean he should not comment on contemporary affairs.
Significantly, during the Oliver Tambo lecture at the University of Fort Hare, where he made a comeback, Mbeki conceded some of the errors the ANC committed during his time as leader, for example, failure to groom a new generation of competent and selfless leaders.
As a result of this failure, South Africa is faced with the kind of political problems Mbeki highlighted in his lecture: "dangerous and unacceptable situation of directionless and unguided national drift".
Regardless of whether people agree with his views, it is important that he has expressed them. He is entitled to them.
It is untenable that former president FW de Klerk - the last apartheid leader - comments on a wide range of domestic issues while Mbeki keeps silent even when he could see the dangers faced by the country.
The freedom of expression for which Mbeki and his comrades, including President Jacob Zuma, fought and which is enshrined in the constitution applies to all.
Some South Africans have decided to keep quiet when they see things going wrong.
No sooner do these wrongs result in fatal consequences, than they retort: "We knew this would happen." But speaking after the fact is as good as shutting up - there is no point.
Those who still have the ability to distinguish between wrong and right must speak out.
It is not only a democratic right, but a duty of all citizens who love their country.
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Phathuza
Welcome back Mbeki The most intelligent leader africa has ever producedReport Abuse
Thinawise
ALL the corrupt leaders ANC has can't even come close to u Mr MbekiReport Abuse
Phathuza
Zuma is scared to be compared with this man because he has achieved absolutely nothing compared to Mbeki , He will go down in history books as the worse president ever. Mbeki is a man with morals , You cant hear or read about Mbeki having extra marital affairs , Corruption , Misuse of tax payers , If Zuma is given a second term then we are for supriseReport Abuse
Punkies
I'm really concern with our the current state of our beloved country. I hope our leaders will find it in their hearts to put the interests of ordinary people like into consideration when making decisions. I hope Mbeki will make a difference, i liked him dearly except for his HIV saga..i think he was a good president.Report Abuse
Papage
Was Mbeki corrupt as well? I dont remember any scandals of him stealing R203 millions to build a house in Eastern Cape or did he?Report Abuse
Tasto_
@Ediotor\Webteam - Wow u are unbelievable sometimes this is a typical of cut&paste without knowing the meaning neh? Given your actions on Friday afta instruction from NkandlaIs this realy from u Editor?
"The freedom of expression for which Mbeki and his comrades, including President Jacob Zuma, fought and which is enshrined in the constitution applies to all"
Sowetan trampled on our "freedom of expression" on Friday!!
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s.cold
BACK OFF---------MTHABO'S---------------Report Abuse
T.C.T
let's get it ready to rumble those who are illitrate oneside those who are educated that side,,,talking is what made him known and special...enough is enough ZOOMA is finished come MANGAUNG and his p.uppets can intimidate KGALEMA as much as they want but victory is certain we will soldier on.Report Abuse
cornelius
Mbeki's biggest mistake, after the AIDS denialism, was not to nurture and " anoint" a leader to replace him. Instead he sought a third term for himself - he always seemed to believe only he can do the job - he should have created the conditions for Mothlanthe or Ramaphosa to succeed him.Report Abuse
Mthondowethusi
All Zuma knows is to build a island in Nkandla and a palace within a poor society. Zuma is a serious disgrace to South Africa and the whole world.I wish Mbeki had made a early return if not a u-turn.
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