Latest news with #Mbeki
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
University of Pretoria awards former first lady Zanele Mbeki an honorary doctorate
The University of Pretoria (UP) has awarded former first lady and social worker Zanele Mbeki an honorary doctorate for her advocacy for an inclusive society and championing women's rights, particularly in rural areas. Mbeki holds a degree in social work from the University of the Witwatersrand and a diploma in social policy and administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She cofounded a microfinance institution called the Women's Development Bank in 1990, which catered to the needs of women in rural areas whose male relatives worked in mines. In 2003, she started an organisation called Women in Dialogue, giving a voice to women in Africa. Mbeki also started the Zanele Mbeki Development Trust to improve the status of African women. Former head of UP's department of social work and criminology Prof Antoinette Lombard said Mbeki's advocacy predates her tenure as first lady. 'Her deep concern for the plight of those left behind spans many years of work. This includes her contributions as a social worker in London, Zambia, Pakistan, India and Kenya; in the fields of health and mental health as a social worker for refugees in Botswana and Nigeria as part of the UN High Commission for Refugees; and for Anglo American in Zambia as a case worker.' In her speech, Mbeki thanked the university. 'I remain committed to realising the call to South Africa and Africa where every person has a chance to thrive. Let this moment inspire us to act with purpose, conviction and unity. Together we can make remarkable strides in rewriting the story of Africa and her people, not one defined by struggle but by innovation and the humanity of her people.'
TimesLIVE
26-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
'It's a chant': Former president Thabo Mbeki defends 'kill the Boer' song
Former president Thabo Mbeki has defended the controversial 'kill the Boer' song, saying it's a struggle song and not meant to be taken literally. The song, which originated during the apartheid era as a liberation song, has resurfaced with the EFF singing it at their rallies. The song has sparked a controversy with white Afrikaner groups interpreting it as promoting violence against them. 'It was a chant during the days of struggle,' Mbeki said in an interview with SABC News. 'Chants of that kind in our tradition, in the African tradition, you don't take them literally.' He drew parallels with another song, 'Ngeke ngiye kwaZulu, kwa feli umama,' which translates to 'I won't go to Zululand because my mother died there', emphasising that such songs are not meant to be taken at face value. 'You don't mean that,' he said. Mbeki said the ANC policy has always been against the killing of civilians, and there's no evidence to suggest that uMkhonto we Sizwe soldiers were instructed to kill farmers. 'There's no uMkhonto we Sizwe soldier who went and killed a farmer. It's a chant to motivate people. It was never taken literally. Even during the course of the struggle, it was not literal. It's an exaggeration to take this as an instruction to go and kill. The people who are exaggerating know that they are exaggerating because they are trying to achieve some political purpose.' The song's controversy resurfaced recently when US President Donald Trump called for EFF leader Julius Malema's arrest, saying the song incites violence. During a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump played a video of Malema singing the song and presented articles on farm murders to support his narrative that white farmers are being persecuted in South Africa. 'It's puzzling to me that you've got a president who believes absolute lies,' Mbeki said. However, he emphasised the importance of mending ties with the US. 'We have a task to make sure that we get the people of the US on our side.' Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court dismissed a bid by AfriForum to have the song declared hate speech. The court denied AfriForum leave to appeal against the 2022 Equality Court ruling which found the song does not constitute hate speech and is protected under freedom of expression.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki calls for a reassessment of South Africa's national interests in a multipolar world
Navigating global power dynamics: Former President Thabo Mbeki's insights on US foreign policy Image: Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on the nation to critically assess and articulate its national interests in an increasingly multipolar world and the evolving foreign policy of the United States. In an interview with Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power FM on Monday, Mbeki reflected on recent diplomatic tensions, including the controversial meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former US President Donald Trump—an encounter many observers described as a diplomatic misstep. Mbeki pointed to a February statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which shed light on Washington's post-Cold War worldview. Rubio stated that 'after the Soviet Union's collapse, the global political landscape changed,' a shift Mbeki sees as emblematic of US foreign policy. 'The norm now should be a multipolar world where countries pursue their interests,' Mbeki emphasised. "When Trump spoke of 'Making America Great Again,' he wasn't advocating isolation. He asserted America's right to define and pursue its interests—controlling resources, influencing regions, shaping global institutions—regardless of others' opinions.' Power Politics in a Multipolar World Mbeki highlighted that this focus on self-interest isn't exclusive to Trump's administration. 'Every US government, regardless of party, operates on the principle of pursuing its national interests,' he said. 'They may see strategic value in places like Greenland or Panama and act accordingly.' This, he explained, is a defining feature of contemporary international relations. 'The guiding principle now is what benefits the US, not respect or equality. That's how they see the world.' 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 ✕ Implications for South Africa and Africa Mbeki warned that Africa must understand this global shift to safeguard its interests. 'If we ignore the reality that global powers are driven primarily by self-interest, we risk being manipulated or sidelined,' he cautioned. 'We need to articulate and defend our interests instead of passively accepting external dictates.' He touched on recent diplomatic tensions, notably South Africa's support for Palestine. 'Our stance is rooted in principles of justice and solidarity,' he said. 'But we must also recognise that US interests in the Middle East often conflict with ours.' Dependency and the Role of US Diplomacy Ndlozi criticised Africa's reliance on global powers, pointing to last week's White House incident where Trump accused South Africa of genocide—without evidence. 'That scene—staged videos, prepared images—showed how the US believes it has the right to lecture us,' Ndlozi remarked. 'This is a clear example of structural dependency and diminishing our dignity.' He argued that what is often framed as 'respect' is actually a form of dominance. 'It's not about mutual respect; it's about control,' he said. 'Our relationship with global powers has become asymmetrical—rooted in dependence, not equality.' The Changing Dynamics of US-South Africa Relations Ndlozi observed that US-South Africa relations have worsened under the current administration. 'In the past, even during disagreements—whether with Bush or Obama—there was a certain decorum,' he said. 'Now, the US acts as if it's entitled to dictate to us, regardless of our sovereignty.' He reflected on the diplomatic approach of previous US presidents. 'Visits by Bush or Obama, even amid disagreements, maintained mutual respect. Today's aggressive posture is deeply concerning,' Ndlozi noted. Moving Forward: A Call for Vigilance Mbeki concluded by emphasising that the world is shifting away from unipolar dominance. He urged African nations to be proactive by defining their interests and standing firm. 'Developing the capacity to defend our sovereignty is essential to avoid being passive recipients of Western or US policies. IOL Politics
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki urges African governments to prioritise history education
Reviving African history: Thabo Mbeki's call for educational reform. Image: Boxer Ngwenya Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on African governments to take decisive steps to revive and emphasise the teaching of African history in schools to avoid repeating past mistakes. His appeal comes amid concerns that the continent's youth, lacking historical awareness, risks repeating past mistakes that have hindered development and unity. After delivering the annual Thabo Mbeki Lecture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mbeki emphasized the importance of fostering a shared understanding of Africa's struggles, victories, and the lessons learned. In an interview with Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power FM on Monday, he highlighted the critical role that historical education plays in promoting African unity and resilience. Mbeki underscored the need for "African unity and solidity," asserting that acting together is essential to confront the continent's ongoing challenges. 'We must collaborate to find solutions,' he said. 'The foundation of this effort lies in understanding our shared history — the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that have shaped us.' He praised the role of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and initiatives dedicated to the continent's renaissance, noting that these efforts are vital for fostering a sense of pride and identity among young Africans. "The Foundation must be committed to the renaissance of Africa and South Africa,' he added. 'This entails capturing and transmitting our history to future generations.' 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 Mbeki recounted the importance of documenting the history of democracy in South Africa and beyond. 'The actors — those who fought for freedom — must tell their stories directly,' he said. 'We established projects like the South African Democratic Education Transfer to ensure that the history of our struggle is accessible and accurately conveyed.' He also pointed out that this initiative extends beyond South Africa, incorporating the broader anti-apartheid movement and global solidarity efforts involving Cuba, Brazil, India, Russia, and others. 'We've decided to develop textbooks tailored for high school students to make this vast knowledge accessible and engaging for young people,' Mbeki explained. 'It's essential that they understand the history from those who lived it, rather than only through secondary sources.' Mbeki expressed concern that many young Africans, including Tanzanian youth, are unfamiliar with their history. He cited observations from Tanzanian leadership about the forgetting or neglect of key moments in the country's independence and liberation. 'This is problematic,' he said. 'If young people are unaware of their history, they risk repeating past mistakes.' He urged governments and educational institutions to prioritize history education, emphasizing that the issue is not a lack of interest but a failure to provide adequate resources and curricula. 'It's our responsibility to ensure that history is part of public education,' he asserted. 'Young people are not uninterested; they simply need access and engagement.'
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Mbeki says African leaders must put shoulder to the wheel in addressing continent's challenges
JOHANNESBURG - Former President Thabo Mbeki said African leaders need to put their shoulder to the wheel in addressing a range of challenges faced by the continent. Mbeki made the renewed calls at the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania at the weekend. Mbeki was joined by other former heads of state from Africa and policy leaders in a packed hall. Social cohesion, democracy, economic rebuilding and growth, and the positioning of Africa as a significant player in geopolitical affairs are among priorities Mbeki said still need to be addressed urgently. READ: MTDP a vision that lacks necessary steps to bring it to life, says Mbeki 'To do this thing that all of us wish for, this rebirth of the African continent, practically what do we do, we have the vision, we think we know where we want to go but what do we do practically?' Mbeki said, despite his exit from active politics, he continues to be part of leaders heeding the calls for transformation on the continent. "Other things being equal, I should have retired as President of South Africa in 2009 but other things being unequal, I retired in 2008. Before that, my colleagues, other heads of state at the time, said, 'When you retire, you must continue to focus on these African challenges.'"
