I do not blame our president for his ”unique” views on HIV/Aids. I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of his advisers, the Cabinet and the national executive committee (NEC).
Unfortunately President Thabo Mbeki has chosen to surround himself with sycophants whose only loyalties are to power, position and prestige. How else can anyone explain why a minority view dominates the African National Congress?
An overwhelming number of the scientific community believe otherwise; an overwhelming number of the ANC membership believes otherwise. But the people who represent them believe something else.
Mbeki’s minority view holds the ANC hostage. I am convinced that even the majority of the NEC believes otherwise, but because of their feelings of intellectual inferiority to the president they have failed to challenge him.
Mbeki does not believe he is intellectually superior to his advisers, he knows he is. That’s the problem. I do not doubt his intelligence, but it is misdirected and lacks humility.
The ANC demands absolute loyalty to the party; there is nothing wrong with this. But the people come before the party. The ANC does not come before the people.
Mr President, there is nothing wrong with being wrong. Make a mistake and move on. I want you to succeed. Don’t become like Bill Clinton, who is remembered for his mistakes rather than his achievements. Khaya Dlanga, Pinelands, Cape Town