News that former president Thabo Mbeki has suspended his Eastern Cape election campaign was shared on different news channels, leaving many people feeling that the reason might be more than what was shared.
It was reported that the former president’s reason for suspending the EC visit was due to his continent diplomatic commitments.
Part of his continent commitments as a diplomat include attending to matters of war-zone countries such as Sudan, a country that has seen millions of citizens fleeing because of their situation.
The Eastern Cape ANC election campaign that former president was to embark on follows a successful KwaZulu-Natal campaign, which he led recently.
According Business Day political editor Hajra Omarjee, who spoke with Newzroom Afrika on the matter, the former president will address the nation on the 25th of this month, a day referred to as Africa Day.
Hajra further shared that those close to Thabo Mbeki shared that during the KZN visit, he felt some kind of “criminal elements” as he sensed that his aim in the province was hijacked.
She also added that it doesn’t look like Thabo will be going to the Western Cape either, as he is scheduled to visit the province too.
Thabo Mbeki did an amazing job for the party when he started his election campaign as he brought hope to many who had complaints about the ruling party.
WATCH: Hajra speaks to Newzroom Afrika.
Business Day political editor Hajra Omarjee explains some of the reasons why former president Thabo Mbeki suspended his campaign for the ANC’s upcoming elections.
Watch: https://t.co/StuAnazdhM #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/UBaK6zLsI7
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 14, 2024
Internet users had a lot to say on the matter, with many commenting:
He went to KZN and they made him realise that he is a nobody and is being used by ANC thugs who also wanted to use him in EC as well, thats why he quit
— Sadiki (@BoiSadiki) May 14, 2024
He realised that flip flopping is damaging His image
— Matauzen (@Matauzen2206) May 14, 2024
I was wondering why would he go to the father’s grave now on a campaign trail
— Ernest Nkewu (@ErnestNkewu) May 14, 2024
One user tried to correct the negative narrative on the matter, commenting:
I guess you are not aware that Thabo Mbeki is also involved in the facilitation of peace talks in the war-torn Sudan. He will be back in the country next week to continue for the final push to the ANC’s decisive election victory. I’m sorry to burst your bubble.
— Bheki Mathabathe (@BhekiMathabathe) May 14, 2024
Also see: ‘Zuma go home and rest, you had your chance,’ says Mbuyiseni Ndlozi