Mixed emotions over Mbeki

2008-09-22 12:20

Johannesburg - Some South Africans expressed mixed emotions on Monday after President Thabo Mbeki tendered his resignation following the ANC decision to recall him.

"Mbeki has been stubborn but I'm very disappointed with this decision by the ANC. They should have let him finish his term," said David Naidoo, 45, a Johannesburg businessman.

With ANC leadership expected to nominate an interim president at a meeting on Monday morning, Naidoo said he did not favour Baleka Mbete, the current Speaker of parliament, because of her "shady' past and reputation.

"If it were up to me, it should be Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, Cyril Ramaphosa or Kgalema Motlanthe... but no Mbete," he said.

Others believed the country was heading for disaster.

'Another Zimbabwe'

"I'm not happy with what is happening, we are heading to be just another Zimbabwe,' said self employed Anita Hopkins, 53.

Hopkins believed Mbeki had done much good for South Africa and other countries and questioned why the ANC wanted a "criminal" (Zuma) as president of the country.

She also opposed the idea that Mbete be elected as interim president, citing "wrong doing" and "scandals" she apparently thought Mbete had been involved in.

"Mbete was even found in possession of a fraudulent driver's licence, and [was involved in] the Travelgate scam."

Hopkins said what was even more infuriating was that the ANC waited for Mbeki to fix the crisis in Zimbabwe before recalling him.

"That's because everyone was too scared of Robert Mugabe. They left him to do and finish mediating in that country before they could kick him to the curve," she said.

Meanwhile, others believed Mbeki's removal from office was a good move for the ANC and the country because they had not seen any progress since he was in office.

"I'm okay with the decision. He doesn't do anything for the people...we are still unemployed and still live in poverty," said 45-year-old unemployed mother of two, Georgina Mosata.

Cloud over Zuma's head

However, Mosata said she did not want Jacob Zuma to head the country because of the cloud that remained despite his fraud and corruption charges being thrown out of court.

Student Rhandzo Mhlongo 21, supported Mbeki, saying he was unfairly treated and his recall was "a bad move".

"He contributed a lot to this country. We've seen a lot of development in recent years because of him. Zuma is not fit enough, we need someone clear...all this is happening because of him.

"Parliament is all about the money and who's on top, it's no longer about serving people," he said.

- SAPA