Mbeki Challenges Steenhuisen

Natalie Nyathi

Former President Thabo Mbeki has written an open letter to Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, saying the DA’s choice to pull out of the upcoming National Dialogue was “misplaced” and not in the party’s best interests. Mbeki suggested that Steenhuisen should have considered leaving the Government of National Unity (GNU) instead.

In his letter, Mbeki pointed out that the DA’s decision followed the removal of Andrew Whitfield, a DA member who served as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. He noted that Steenhuisen had expressed concerns about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s actions, calling them “excessive” and highlighting that “the President cannot even dialogue meaningfully with his own Coalition Partners.”

Mbeki criticized the DA for choosing to step away from the National Dialogue, which is set to start on August 15, 2025. He stated, “I consider the decision of the DA not to participate in the National Dialogue as both misplaced and very strange indeed, as well as even being against its own very direct interests.”

He also addressed Zille’s comments that the dialogue was just an ANC election strategy. Mbeki argued that the National Dialogue is an important chance for South Africans to discuss their future and is part of a broader initiative involving various national foundations.

Mbeki assured Steenhuisen that representative delegations from South Africa will gather to begin the National Dialogue. He emphasized that this dialogue would allow citizens to discuss key issues facing the country.

He urged all political leaders, including the DA, to remember that the people are the true authority in the country, reminding Steenhuisen, “I have no doubt that the DA acts against its own direct interests when it decides to isolate itself from this sovereign authority.”

In closing, Mbeki stressed the importance of the National Dialogue as a platform for everyone to engage, encouraging Steenhuisen to rethink the DA’s position and participate actively in shaping the country’s future.