Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has questioned how South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) transitioned from the leadership of former President Thabo Mbeki to that of his successor, Jacob Zuma.
Mwenda made the remarks while reflecting on a recent lunch meeting with Mbeki, describing the former South African president as an intellectual whose views offered a rich source of insight.
“Last week, I had the honor of having lunch with former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, and my granddaughter, Samantha Muhwezi Kasami,” Mwenda said.
According to the journalist, the meeting lasted about two hours and was dominated by intellectual discussions, with Mbeki sharing his perspectives on a range of issues.
“It was two hours of intense intellectual discourse during which Samantha and I drank from a huge well of wisdom from this giant intellectual,” Mwenda added.
The encounter prompted Mwenda to reflect on the political trajectory of the ANC, particularly the leadership changes that followed Mbeki's presidency.
Mbeki served as South Africa's second president after the end of apartheid, taking office in 1999 and remaining in power until his resignation in 2008. He was succeeded by Kgalema Motlanthe on an interim basis before Zuma became president in 2009.
Mwenda contrasted the two leaders sharply, portraying Mbeki as a Pan-African intellectual and an incorruptible public servant while launching a scathing attack on Zuma's character and record.
“What I have never understood is how the ANC could move from Mbeki the pan African intellectual and incorruptible public servant to Jacob Zuma, the sex crazed unintellectual with a penchant for theft of public resources,” he said.
Zuma's presidency was later dominated by allegations of corruption and the controversial “state capture” scandal, although he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Mwenda's comments have reignited debate over the ANC's leadership evolution and the contrasting political legacies of two of its most prominent leaders.
His remarks also highlighted the enduring intellectual reputation of Mbeki, who remains an influential voice on African politics, development and Pan-Africanism years after leaving office.