Latest news with #ThaboMbeki
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki: An intellectual powerhouse far ahead of his generation
Former President Thabo Mbeki was known for crafting his own speeches, engaging in thoughtful debates, and challenging conventional wisdom. Let us remember Mbeki not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for the future. Image: DIRCO 'You have to lead. You should be sensitive to what your followers think. But if you do exactly what they want, you are not a leader.' — Mahathir Mohamad IN an era where political leadership often prioritises popularity over principle, former president Thabo Mbeki stood out as a rare intellectual force in South African politics. Unlike his predecessors, who relied heavily on speechwriters, Mbeki was known for crafting his own speeches, engaging in thoughtful debates, and challenging conventional wisdom. Mbeki's presidency was marked by a unique blend of intellect and political acumen. He dared to question dominant narratives, most notably during the HIV/Aids crisis, when he encouraged broader scientific discourse rather than accepting prevailing assumptions uncritically. While this approach drew criticism, it also highlighted his commitment to reasoned inquiry — a hallmark of his leadership style. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and governance set him apart. Mbeki was not only a politician but also a thinker — one who could frame complex policy issues with clarity and originality. He approached governance with a philosopher's depth and a statesman's pragmatism, making him one of Africa's most respected leaders. 'What happens,' asked Mahmood Mamdani, commenting on the William Makgoba imbroglio at Wits, 'when seekers of knowledge turn around and claim to be custodians of knowledge? Knowledge seeking is a profoundly humble and a profoundly subversive activity. Its starting point, Socrates' fashion, is both the admission of ignorance in self and the questioning of truth. Knowledge-custody, on the other hand, is more of a self-appointed priestly affair, both arrogant and conservative.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Indeed, Mbeki's critical intellect and his unwillingness to be swamped by the opinion of the herd were best captured by his pronouncements on issues of national concern, more specifically concerning the HIV/Aids debate. To be president of a country does not necessarily mean that one should not have or express personal views on matters of national interest. Even though, for public figures, the line between the private and the public is often blurred, it is sometimes necessary to keep it in mind, especially in this age of the unscrupulous press and the paparazzi. Mbeki's intellectual rigour was matched by his dedication to public service. He oversaw economic reforms that stabilised South Africa's post-apartheid economy and championed Pan-Africanism through initiatives like the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad). As a diplomat, he played a key role in mediating regional conflicts and elevating South Africa's global standing. Despite his achievements, Mbeki's intellectual independence made him a polarising figure. Critics accused him of being aloof or overly theoretical, yet these very traits enabled him to govern with vision and consistency. In a political climate increasingly dominated by populism and short-term thinking, Mbeki's legacy reminds us of the value of critical thought and principled leadership. A product of ANC liberation traditions, Mbeki inherited a deep commitment to justice from his father, Govan Mbeki, and his mother, Epainette Mbeki. Educated abroad during decades of exile, he returned to help shape South Africa's democratic future. His tenure as deputy president under then-president Nelson Mandela positioned him as a natural successor, and he led the country from 1999 until his controversial recall in 2008. Since Mbeki's departure from office, political discourse in South Africa has arguably deteriorated. Parliamentary debate has become more performative than substantive, and intellectual engagement is often sidelined. This decline underscores the importance of nurturing critical thinking from an early age, encouraging young people to question, reflect, and challenge established norms. Mbeki's intellectual contributions extend beyond policy. He understood that history is not merely a record of events but a lens through which we interpret the present and imagine the future. Drawing from thinkers like Giorgio Agamben and Roger Simon, Mbeki framed the past not as a burden but as a source of insight — an untimely light illuminating the complexities of our time. As Isaiah Berlin once noted, understanding a thinker requires identifying the central idea that animates their work. For Mbeki, that idea was the transformative power of knowledge, both as a tool for development and as a moral compass guiding political action. He believed in Africa's potential to chart its own course and advocated for African solutions to African problems. The modern world demands leaders who can marry intellect with governance. As Robert Taylor argued, instinct alone cannot navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges. A nation's survival depends on leaders who apply rigorous thought to practical affairs. Mbeki exemplified this ideal, combining scholarly reflection with decisive leadership. Edward Said warned against intellectuals who shy away from difficult truths out of fear of controversy. Mbeki never shied away. He remained steadfast in his convictions, even when they placed him at odds with popular opinion. That courage, coupled with his eloquence and integrity, defined his legacy. As Said put it: 'Nothing in my mind is more reprehensible than those habits of mind in the intellectual that induce avoidance, that characteristic turning away from a difficult and principled position which you know to be the right one.' Ever since Mbeki left Parliament, there has been a 'dumbing down' of political discourse in the National Assembly. Politicians seem almost frightened, if not apathetic, about showing intellect. Politicians have become intellectually moribund. Cacophony in the form of heckling has replaced robust political discourse. Sadly, this is characteristic of our society at large. It starts right early in school classes. Children need to be taught to have independent thoughts, to question what they are given, and to challenge myths. Mbeki is the nation's best thinker among politicians, and the best politician among thinkers. Mbeki is the most widely respected politician on the entire African continent, if not the world. A consistent theme throughout Mbeki's political career has been his inimitable ability to frame and reframe a debate on a given public policy problem by relying on data and originality, not ideology, and to do it with wry and perceptive wit and eloquent wisdom that cannot escape one's attention. Mbeki is the epitome and embodiment of exceptional and illuminating lifelong virtues. For anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him, it is not hard to remember his awesome personality. Throughout his political life, he has won wide respect as a voice of reason and a source of wisdom. He is the resolute voice for wisdom and decency. Armed with colossal energy and astute judgment, he has helped settle some of the most complex international disputes. Today, Mbeki's ideas are resurging in relevance. As South Africa grapples with economic stagnation and political uncertainty, there is renewed interest in his vision of rational governance, Pan-African solidarity, and intellectual courage. His absence from active politics left a void — one that few have been able to fill. Let us remember Thabo Mbeki not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for the future. * Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
News24
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Farewell to Louis Moholo-Moholo: Jazz revolutionary and anti-apartheid voice dies at 85
Louis Tebogo Moholo-Moholo, who died at 85, was the final surviving member of South Africa's pioneering Blue Notes sextet. He was also the only member who lived to return home after decades in exile. Moholo-Moholo's work protesting against apartheid raised global awareness about South Africa's struggle and earned him the National Order of Ikhamanga from President Thabo Mbeki in 2004. The South African jazz world has lost one of its greatest pioneers. Louis Tebogo Moholo-Moholo, the internationally acclaimed drummer and last surviving member of the Blue Notes sextet, died at age 85. Family spokesperson Mr Phila Mtwana confirmed the legendary musician's death, saying, 'he died this morning in his sleep at home.' Moholo-Moholo was one of the founding members of the Blue Notes, along with pianist Chris McGregor, trumpeter Mongezi Feza, bassist Johnny Dyani, and saxophonists Dudu Pukwana and Nikele Moyake. He was the only member of this influential group to survive their years in exile. Born on 10 March 1940 in Cape Town, Moholo-Moholo's journey through music began in the townships of apartheid South Africa. In 1964, facing increasing racial oppression that limited their ability to perform together as a mixed-race group, the Blue Notes left South Africa to perform at the Antibes Jazz Festival in France. What was initially planned as a temporary departure became permanent exile as apartheid's grip tightened at home. After settling in London, the legendary drummer became a central figure in the European avant-garde jazz scene. His drumming style, which merged traditional African rhythms with free jazz experimentation, made him a sought-after collaborator. He performed with the Brotherhood of Breath, a big band that combined South African exiles with British free jazz musicians and worked with international luminaries, including Cecil Taylor, Steve Lacy, and Derek Bailey. His music protested apartheid, raising awareness among European audiences about the struggles faced by Black South Africans. Unlike his Blue Notes bandmates, all of whom died in exile, Moholo-Moholo lived to see the end of apartheid and returned to South Africa in 2005, settling in his hometown of Langa, Cape Town. His contributions to music and anti-apartheid activism earned him the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from former president Thabo Mbeki in 2004. More recently, he was honoured during KwaLanga's centenary celebrations with legacy projects designed to introduce his pioneering work to younger generations of South Africans. Moholo-Moholo leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as not just a master drummer but as a cultural ambassador who used music as a weapon against oppression and a bridge between traditions.
The Herald
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
National Foundations notes commencement of national dialogue
A national dialogue preparatory committee set up by the National Foundations has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement on Tuesday of the national dialogue process, a historic chance for South Africans to reclaim their agency. The National Foundations consists of 43 civil society groups and 12 foundations including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Tutu Legacy Foundation, the Steve Biko Foundation and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. 'It is rare in the history of any nation for citizens rather than just their representatives to be given an opportunity to embark on a historical reflection about the state and condition of their nation, and their prospects for the future,' the National Foundations said on Wednesday. The foundations said on April 30 2024, former president Thabo Mbeki, reflecting on 30 years of democracy, made a passionate call for the nation to engage in a dialogue to work a new vision and programme for the next 30 years and beyond. Mbeki then tasked the National Foundations to prepare for the national dialogue. 'Thus the National Foundations became the custodians of the national dialogue from that day.' The foundations set up a committee to commence with preparations for this initiative, expanding the pool of civil society support for the national dialogue. 'In September 2024, the foundations convened a two-day workshop, attended by close to 50 civil society formations ... to set up structures, ranging from content development, planning and organisation, public mobilisation, fundraising, monitoring and evaluation and marketing and communications subcommittees to anchor preparations for the national dialogue in granular detail.' The foundations said around the same time, its preparatory committee began engagements with the emissaries of Ramaphosa, who is empowered by the constitution, to call for an initiative of this magnitude and consequence. 'At those meetings the foundations stressed the importance of the national dialogue to be a citizens-led initiative, rather than a government-run enterprise, to help overcome the chasm that has opened up between government and the governed in our country, as illustrated by the fact that only about 40% of eligible voters in our country bothered to vote in the last national and provincial elections in May 2024.' The foundations said the voter stayaway was a pointer to a massive alienation of the electorate from the democratic project, which ought to be a concern. 'For if the electorate is alienated from the democratic project, what are the implications for the legitimacy for the democratic order. It was thus important that we embarked on an initiative which will result in the citizens reclaiming their agency. 'We are happy that we reached a mutual understanding with the head of state on the essence and approach to the national dialogue.' The National Foundations said it had greed on all the structures that will underpin the execution of the national dialogue. 'We will, in the coming days, elaborate on the process that will unfold towards the preparatory convention for the national dialogue process scheduled to be held on August 15.' TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
11-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
National Foundations notes commencement of national dialogue
A national dialogue preparatory committee set up by the National Foundations has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement on Tuesday of the national dialogue process, a historic chance for South Africans to reclaim their agency. The National Foundations consists of 43 civil society groups and 12 foundations including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Tutu Legacy Foundation, the Steve Biko Foundation and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. 'It is rare in the history of any nation for citizens rather than just their representatives to be given an opportunity to embark on a historical reflection about the state and condition of their nation, and their prospects for the future,' the National Foundations said on Wednesday. The foundations said on April 30 2024, former president Thabo Mbeki, reflecting on 30 years of democracy, made a passionate call for the nation to engage in a dialogue to work a new vision and programme for the next 30 years and beyond. Mbeki then tasked the National Foundations to prepare for the national dialogue. 'Thus the National Foundations became the custodians of the national dialogue from that day.' The foundations set up a committee to commence with preparations for this initiative, expanding the pool of civil society support for the national dialogue. 'In September 2024, the foundations convened a two-day workshop, attended by close to 50 civil society formations ... to set up structures, ranging from content development, planning and organisation, public mobilisation, fundraising, monitoring and evaluation and marketing and communications subcommittees to anchor preparations for the national dialogue in granular detail.' The foundations said around the same time, its preparatory committee began engagements with the emissaries of Ramaphosa, who is empowered by the constitution, to call for an initiative of this magnitude and consequence. 'At those meetings the foundations stressed the importance of the national dialogue to be a citizens-led initiative, rather than a government-run enterprise, to help overcome the chasm that has opened up between government and the governed in our country, as illustrated by the fact that only about 40% of eligible voters in our country bothered to vote in the last national and provincial elections in May 2024.' The foundations said the voter stayaway was a pointer to a massive alienation of the electorate from the democratic project, which ought to be a concern. 'For if the electorate is alienated from the democratic project, what are the implications for the legitimacy for the democratic order. It was thus important that we embarked on an initiative which will result in the citizens reclaiming their agency. 'We are happy that we reached a mutual understanding with the head of state on the essence and approach to the national dialogue.' The National Foundations said it had greed on all the structures that will underpin the execution of the national dialogue. 'We will, in the coming days, elaborate on the process that will unfold towards the preparatory convention for the national dialogue process scheduled to be held on August 15.'
Eyewitness News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada foundations left out of national dialogue
JOHANNESBURG - After months of calling for a National Dialogue, the Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, and Ahmed Kathrada foundations have seemingly not made the cut of those who will guide conversations on the country's future. None of President Cyril Ramaphosa's predecessors were on the list that he announced on Tuesday night. He has, however, appointed 31 prominent South Africans who will champion the National Dialogue. The event, which was initially set for 16 December 2024, will now take place on 15 August. As the Freedom Charter, a blueprint that ultimately birthed the country's constitution marks 70 years, South Africans are being called upon once more to gather and imagine a shared future. Ramaphosa said this idea is not new, as dialogue is in South Africa's DNA. 'Every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future.' The president's named 31 prominent South Africans to champion the project but has seemingly left out the many foundations who were at the forefront of calling for South Africans to talk among themselves. Former President Thabo Mbeki, who's consistently warned that the country's liberation was in trouble, is not mentioned among those spearheading the dialogue. But the likes of Reverend Thabo Makgoba, constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer, Mam Gcina Mhlophe, and Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux are included. The dialogue will happen in phases. NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT Ramaphosa said the country's national dialogue will not be a one-time event. He also announced on Tuesday night that a second meeting is scheduled for early 2026. The president's announcement speaks to widely shared concerns about the state of the country and its future. He said this will be a people-led reflection on challenges facing South Africa. 'It will be a participatory process that unfolds in phases, from local consultations and sectoral engagements to provincial and national gatherings.' The 31 prominent South Africans have also been appointed to an eminent persons group aimed at championing the national dialogue. The president said this also presents an opportunity to finalise the long-anticipated social compact. 'This second national convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future. We expect that the next phase will finalise our compact, which will set out the roles and responsibilities of every South African.'
