Mbeki Still an ANC Member – Spokesperson

Kaveel Singh, News24

Johannesburg – Former president Thabo Mbeki has been and remains a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in good standing, his spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said on Saturday.

In a statement, Ratshitanga said that any information not provided by the ANC or the Thabo Mbeki Foundation “has no factual basis and is most likely generated to impact on the outcome of the August 3 Local Government elections”.

DA mayoral candidate in Mnquma Local Municipality, Madoda Mbeki, on Friday said that the former president and his family distanced themselves from all things ANC. Madoda Mbeki and Thabo Mbeki are cousins.

"Not only the Mbeki family but AmaZizi clan are not happy, they are no longer in one kraal with the ANC," Madoda had said.

DA mayoral candidates Madoda, ANC stalwart Steve Tshwete's son Linda and Ghaleb Cachalia, the son of struggle icons Amina and Yusuf, held a media briefing condemning President Jacob Zuma's "racial" campaign.

The three men who come from prominent families in the ANC said they have the full support of their families as DA members.

Linda broke down in tears as he relayed how he and his brother Mayihlome and stepmother deputy minister of water and sanitation Pam’s relationship became strained after he joined the DA.

He said his entire family, except for the two, fully supported him when he joined the DA.

"...the Tshwete clan, except for Mayihlome and Pam, supported me. They even travelled to Cape Town and 14 of them joined the DA. I must say the mood has changed. They have seen I have made a decision."

Madoda said he saw the cracks in the ANC when the party recalled Mbeki in 2008.

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