African National Congress (ANC) veterans Tokyo Sexwale and Mavuso Msimang believe former President Thabo Mbeki has an obligation to campaign for the party.

This follows reports that Mbeki and his family have distanced themselves from the ANC which sparked rumours that the family will also not campaign for the ruling party in the upcoming municipal elections.

Mbeki has however poured cold water on the reports that they have distanced themselves from the ANC. His spokesperson said that he remains an ANC member in good standing.

According to EWN, Sexwale said that Mbeki has a responsibility to campaign for the ANC regardless of his discontent with its leadership.

“He was born in the family of the ANC, it made him deputy president, it made him president of the ANC and it made him president of the country. At this stage we have a lot to give back to the ANC," Sexwale was quoted saying on EWN.

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Sexwale was speaking at an ANC door to door campaign in Soweto over the weekend.

ANC stalwarts including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada have put their weight behind the ANC for the upcoming election but there has been no word from Mbeki.

Mbeki is priceless for ANC - Pahad

ANC Gauteng chairperson Paul Mashatile said that Mbeki's endorsement of the party would play a huge role in their bid to win municipalities.