Cape Town – Former president Thabo Mbeki says the ANC renewal hinges on improving the quality of its membership.
Mbeki said this while addressing the party’s Renewal Workshop in Boksburg.
He acknowledged that the ANC has attracted careerists and criminals over the years, suggesting an audit and possible reapplication process for current members.
“Does the ANC cease to be a mass-based organisation if it has 500 000 members as opposed to a million in terms of quality, what is the difference between 500 000 and a million because obviously I can imagine a process where all of us renew our membership by applying. I don’t think it would result in a mass exclusion of this membership so that it ceases to retain its mass character,” Mbeki said.
Watch below as Mbeki speaks (Courtesy of SABC News)
He questioned whether the party’s mass character would be affected by reducing membership numbers but prioritising quality.
Mbeki also urged ANC officials at all government levels to address key issues like electricity and crime to regain public confidence, following the party’s 40% support in the 2024 elections.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
