Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has officially announced his endorsement of the African National Congress (ANC) for the upcoming elections, emphasizing his duty as a member of the party to engage with the population.

In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) at the University of South Africa, Mbeki affirmed his commitment to campaigning for the ANC, stating, “I am a member of the ANC. Of course, I have got an obligation as a member of the ANC. We have to make our own contribution to engage the population.”

Mbeki’s decision comes after months of speculation regarding his stance on supporting the ANC. Last year, he had been ambiguous about whether he would campaign for the governing party, citing concerns about internal party issues that needed addressing.

Recently, Mbeki has been critical of the ANC and its current president, Cyril Ramaphosa, for what he perceives as a failure to implement the party’s renewal project. During an interview at the University of South Africa, Mbeki also commented on the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) call for Western observer missions in the upcoming elections.

He expressed his disagreement with the DA’s initiative, arguing that the responsibility to invite election observers lies with the Electoral Commission of South Africa rather than political parties. Mbeki’s remarks underscore his belief in the capacity of South Africa’s electoral commission to conduct free and fair elections independently.

Moreover, Mbeki took the opportunity to address concerns about the integrity of South Africa’s state institutions, particularly the South African Revenue Services (SARS). He criticized his successor, former President Jacob Zuma, for allegedly contributing to the deterioration of SARS during his tenure.

Referring to findings from the Nugent Commission, which investigated governance issues at SARS, Mbeki highlighted the importance of safeguarding state institutions from political interference. He emphasized the critical role of SARS in generating state revenue and cautioned against actions that could undermine its effectiveness.

Mbeki’s decision to campaign for the ANC reflects his ongoing commitment to South African politics and his belief in the importance of political engagement. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, his endorsement may influence public opinion and shape the political landscape in the months to come.