ANC Dismisses Claims of Rift Between Ramaphosa and Mbeki Over National Convention

Johannesburg – The African National Congress (ANC) has rejected suggestions of a political rift between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former president Thabo Mbeki, following reports that the Thabo Mbeki Foundation declined an invitation to attend the inaugural National Convention.

Budget Concerns, Not Political Rift

According to ANC spokespersons, Mbeki’s decision to step back from the convention was not based on personal or political differences with Ramaphosa but rather concerns about the multi-million-rand budget allocated to the event.

The National Dialogue process, under which the convention falls, has already faced scrutiny as several organisations and high-profile figures opted out.

ANC Reaffirms Cordial Relations

The ANC emphasized that Ramaphosa and Mbeki maintain a respectful and constructive relationship.

“There is no rivalry between the two presidents, certainly not at a political level,” said an ANC representative.

The party added that the two leaders meet occasionally, including recently at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Mbeki Foundation Still Engaged in Dialogue

While the Thabo Mbeki Foundation opted out of the preparatory committee for this specific convention, the ANC clarified that it has not withdrawn from the broader National Dialogue process.

“Work is being done to encourage these foundations to rejoin the broader process,” the party noted.

Convention Faces Scrutiny

The first National Convention is scheduled to take place at UNISA’s main campus in Pretoria, but questions remain over its funding and the absence of certain legacy foundations and stakeholders.

Despite these challenges, the ANC insists the dialogue remains an important platform for shaping South Africa’s future.