The funeral of South Africa’s former finance minister, Tito Mboweni, was expected to be a somber occasion, a moment for reflection and respect for a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic landscape.
However, what transpired at the event went far beyond the mourning of a public figure—it revealed the deep political divisions within the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party, and exposed the simmering tensions between two of its most prominent leaders: Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a shocking turn of events, the funeral, which was meant to be a dignified farewell to a statesman, became the backdrop for a public display of discord between South Africa’s former president and its current leader.
The altercation between Mbeki and Ramaphosa at Tito Mboweni’s funeral has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with many questioning the state of the ANC and the future of South African politics.
The Mbeki-Ramaphosa Rift: A Brief History
To understand the gravity of the situation at Mboweni’s funeral, one must first look at the long-standing tension between Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa. Their relationship has been complicated, shaped by decades of political rivalry, ideological differences, and personal ambitions.
- Thabo Mbeki’s Presidency (1999-2008):
Mbeki served as South Africa’s president from 1999 until his forced resignation in 2008. During his tenure, Mbeki was known for his conservative economic policies, which largely focused on maintaining stability and ensuring economic growth. However, his leadership style was often criticized for being autocratic, and he frequently clashed with factions within the ANC, including those aligned with his deputy, Jacob Zuma.
Cyril Ramaphosa’s Role in the ANC:
Cyril Ramaphosa, on the other hand, was a key figure in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the creation of South Africa’s new democratic order. Though he had a successful career in business, Ramaphosa’s political ascent was inextricably linked to the ANC. He served as the deputy president under Mbeki but had an increasingly distant relationship with Mbeki as the latter’s presidency became more isolated from broader ANC factions. Ramaphosa’s rise as ANC president in 2017 was seen as a direct challenge to the legacy of Mbeki.
The battle for influence in the ANC between Mbeki’s loyalists and Ramaphosa’s supporters has been ongoing for years. Ramaphosa’s more moderate stance and his push for reform in the face of corruption scandals in the ANC have made him both a champion of some and a target of others, including Mbeki, who has often been accused of being a staunch defender of old guard ANC values.
The Funeral Incident: What Happened?
On the day of Tito Mboweni’s funeral, what should have been a respectful occasion for a beloved figure turned into a spectacle of political drama. According to multiple reports from those who attended the service, there was an awkward encounter between Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa, which quickly escalated into a public confrontation.
Sources at the funeral suggest that the two leaders were seen exchanging heated words, with tensions rising over the seating arrangements and the way the event was being managed.
The details of the conversation remain unclear, but witnesses claim that Ramaphosa and Mbeki exchanged sharp words about the direction of the country and the ANC’s future.
At one point, it was reported that Mbeki was visibly irritated by Ramaphosa’s handling of the event and the ongoing political crisis surrounding the ANC. Ramaphosa, on the other hand, was said to have expressed frustration with Mbeki’s continued interference in party matters and his criticism of the current leadership.
The Aftermath: Shockwaves in the ANC
The incident at Tito Mboweni’s funeral was a shocking moment for many, but for those who have followed the infighting within the ANC, it was not entirely surprising. The tensions between Mbeki and Ramaphosa are indicative of the larger crisis of leadership in the ANC, where rival factions continue to battle for dominance.
Since Ramaphosa took office as president, Mbeki has been a vocal critic of his leadership. He has frequently pointed out the failings of the current administration, particularly in relation to its inability to address corruption and its failure to achieve meaningful economic reforms. Mbeki has also expressed concerns about the direction in which the ANC is heading under Ramaphosa’s leadership, accusing the current president of being too lenient with certain factions of the party.
Ramaphosa’s Struggles with Factionalism:
On the other hand, Ramaphosa has struggled to unify the ANC. While he has tried to position himself as a leader who advocates for reform and accountability, he has faced fierce resistance from factions aligned with Jacob Zuma and other ANC heavyweights who still wield significant power within the party. Ramaphosa’s efforts to root out corruption have been undermined by internal party divisions and ongoing scandals involving key figures within the ANC.
Why This is a Big Deal: The Implications for South Africa
The confrontation at Tito Mboweni’s funeral is more than just an isolated incident—it symbolizes the deepening crisis within the ANC and South African politics. Here are a few key takeaways from the incident and its broader implications:
- A Divided ANC:
The ongoing division within the ANC is a major problem for South Africa’s political stability. With the ANC fractured between factions loyal to Mbeki, Ramaphosa, Zuma, and others, the party is struggling to maintain its unity. This division has weakened the ANC’s ability to effectively govern, and it has caused frustration among ordinary South Africans who feel that their leaders are more concerned with internal power struggles than with addressing the country’s pressing issues.
The End of the ‘Unity’ Narrative:
The ANC has long presented itself as a party of unity—a symbol of South Africa’s democratic transition. However, the Mbeki-Ramaphosa fallout signals the end of that narrative. The public display of acrimony between the two men highlights the cracks in the party’s leadership, suggesting that the ANC’s founding ideals are being eroded by personal ambitions and factional politics.
Impact on South Africa’s Future Leadership:
The conflict between Mbeki and Ramaphosa also raises questions about the future leadership of the country. If the ANC cannot resolve its internal issues, it risks further alienating voters and losing its dominance in South African politics. For South Africa, which has already struggled with issues like unemployment, economic inequality, and corruption, this division could further undermine efforts to address these challenges.
A Personal Betrayal?
Tito Mboweni was a close ally to both Mbeki and Ramaphosa. His funeral, a moment meant to honor his life and legacy, became the stage for an ugly display of personal betrayal. The fact that the two leaders could not even manage to put aside their differences for a day of mourning speaks volumes about the state of their relationship—and the state of the ANC itself.
Conclusion: A ‘Shameful’ Moment for South African Politics
The public display of discord between Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa at Tito Mboweni’s funeral is a symbolic low for South African politics. What should have been a solemn moment of respect for a fallen hero instead became a vivid reminder of the political infighting and factionalism that continues to tear apart the ANC.
For many South Africans, the spectacle was not only disappointing but shameful—a stark illustration of how political rivalries and egos can overshadow the needs of the nation. The country deserves leaders who can rise above personal differences, focus on unity, and deliver on the promises they have made to the people.
As the dust settles from this public spat, the real question remains: Can the ANC move past these internal divides and start working for the good of South Africa, or will personal vendettas continue to derail the country’s political progress?
