Gwede Mantashe Says Thabo Mbeki Must Accept He’s No Longer in Leadership, SA Divided Over Statement
- Gwede Mantashe has weighed in on Thabo Mbeki's absence from the National Convention of the National Dialogue
- The former president declined an invitation to the event on 15 August, and his foundation pulled out of it as well
- South Africans weighed in on the minister's statement, sharing mixed reactions to Mbeki's absence from the event
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Thabo Mbeki’s absence from the National Convention of the National Dialogue has been a talking point, but Gwede Mantashe said the event was not about him.
The convention kicked off on 15 August 2025 at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Main Campus in Tshwane without the presence of many of the legacy foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. The former president of South Africa was invited to the event but declined, saying that the process was rushed and excluded citizen-led leadership.
The event has earned mixed reactions, as numerous foundations withdrew, and even Dr Malusi Gigaba called for the event to be postponed. Ironically, Mbeki previously slammed the Democratic Alliance for pulling out of the event.
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His decision has caused a stir, with the African National Congress (ANC) National Chairperson now weighing in on Mbeki’s absence.
What did Mantashe say?
Speaking on the sidelines of Friday’s convention, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy suggested that Mbeki was struggling to accept that he was no longer in leadership.
“One of the things that is important when you’re in leadership is to let go when there’s a new leader. If you don’t do that, there is always going to be confusion. The convention is not about us; it’s about South Africans talking to one another," he said.
Presidency addresses Mbeki’s absence
President Cyril Ramaphosa's office also addressed reports that the president’s relations with Mbeki were strained, saying that it was cordial and professional.
Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya also stated that while it would be nice to have the former president at the event, the dialogue process would go on without him. He added that the presidency remained hopeful that Mbeki and the foundations would realise there’s no benefit in boycotting the event.
“They're not boycotting the president. They're not boycotting the government. They're boycotting the people of South Africa in their exercise through this national dialogue,” he said.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react to Mantashe’s comment?
Social media users weighed in on Mantashe’s comments, sharing mixed reactions to the minister’s statement. Some defended Mbeki, while others agreed with Mantashe.
Justin Lee Varga stated:
“And in saying so, the ANC proved that this isn't a national dialogue, but an ANC dialogue.”
Joel Mphoka agreed:
“He's a statesman. As long as he is still alive, his voice is still relevant. It's actually the ANC who is scared of this powerful leader.”
Bongani Mbanjwa asked:
“So, according to Mbeki and his ilk, the remaining people and entities do not represent the people of the South? Only his foundation and his ilk represent the people of the South. He must be high, or he is getting old and starting to lose it.”
Polo Paul Mphuthi stated:
“It's a nonsensical thing to call it a National Dialogue, but without citizens' leadership. Mbeki and others are right to distance themselves from the poor leadership of Ramaphosa.”
David Shamash Masiba added:
“Mbeki is struggling to face the reality that he's no longer in leadership says ANC. I agree.”
Sello Sekonyela stated:
“During Zuma’s tenure, Mbeki was nowhere to be found, and now it's Cyril; he has something to say. Mbeki, keep your foundation far from the problems we want to address as South Africans.”
Eli Knight said:
“He is no longer leading, and it shows. The economy and everything have become a giant mess and are getting worse.”
Jacob Zuma not invited to National Dialogue
Briefly News reported that another former State president, Jacob Zuma, would also not be at the event.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party confirmed that Zuma was not invited and wouldn't have attended anyway.
South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on the event and the party's comments.
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Source: Briefly News
