What is Mbeki and Tutu Fussing Over
So South Africa's anti-apartheid elder statesman, the former Archbishop Desmond Tutu has accused Thabo Mbeki's government of enriching a few while the vast majority of the population stayed poor. How plausibe is this accusation? Is Tutu right?
In addition Tutu is reported to have said "We need to find ways in which we engage the hoi polloi, the so-called masses, the people, in public discourse through indabas, town-hall forums, so that no one feels marginalised and that their point of view matters, it counts. "We should debate more openly - not using emotive language. We should not be browbeaten by pontificating decrees from on high. It should be possible to talk as adults about these issues without engaging in slanging matches."
Mbeki retaliates saying "The archbishop has never been a member of the ANC, and would have very little knowledge of what happens even in an ANC branch. How he comes to the conclusion that there is 'lack of debate' in the ANC is most puzzling. "Rational discussion about how the ANC decides its policies requires some familiarity with the internal procedures of the ANC, rather than gratuitous insults about our members, based on a refusal to 'accept the bona fides of all' for which he appealed."
What a prekeh!! Can you imagine! Is this a squabble or there is more to it? Is it that Mbeki a dis the elder statesman? Let's see where this one goes and I really hope it stop soon!!
In addition Tutu is reported to have said "We need to find ways in which we engage the hoi polloi, the so-called masses, the people, in public discourse through indabas, town-hall forums, so that no one feels marginalised and that their point of view matters, it counts. "We should debate more openly - not using emotive language. We should not be browbeaten by pontificating decrees from on high. It should be possible to talk as adults about these issues without engaging in slanging matches."
Mbeki retaliates saying "The archbishop has never been a member of the ANC, and would have very little knowledge of what happens even in an ANC branch. How he comes to the conclusion that there is 'lack of debate' in the ANC is most puzzling. "Rational discussion about how the ANC decides its policies requires some familiarity with the internal procedures of the ANC, rather than gratuitous insults about our members, based on a refusal to 'accept the bona fides of all' for which he appealed."
What a prekeh!! Can you imagine! Is this a squabble or there is more to it? Is it that Mbeki a dis the elder statesman? Let's see where this one goes and I really hope it stop soon!!
posted by Anneke | 7:55 AM
1 Comments:
On the face of it Mbeki's retort is ludicrous, what difference does it make whether someone is or has ever been a member of the ANC,to critisize it, in any practising democracy criticism of the government by its opponents is ery much common-place. Rev Tutu, like any other South African,has the right to state his personal opinion on the policies of the Government, if the ANC has not done enough to widen the equity base of South Africans and engage them in public discourse on the direction of the country.
Since becoming leader of the ANC and state power upon Mandela's retirement,Mbeki has strived to break out of Mandela's "old guard" and Robben Island aluminis to reinforce his own style of leadership surrounded by people with whom he had been closer to in the "dark years". Rev. Tutu's concern however valid, in Mbeki's eyes may appear as a subtle lack of trust or questioning of his leadership. Running against conventional wisdom is not entirely alien to Mbeki though, not many people (even Mandela) will forget his assertion that there is no link between HIV and AIDS and his cosying up to Mugabe.
This argument has not just been started and will only end when Mbeki has finally cement his stature in South African's history.
Ackee
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