Why did Thabo Mbeki change his mind on campaigning for the ANC?

Lukhona Mnguni (Head of Policy and Research at the Rivonia Circle) joins John Perlman.

In May last year, former President Thabo Mbeki told Eyewitness News that he was sceptical about encouraging South Africans to vote for the ANC, citing the organisation's failure to attend to its issues.

Fast forward a year, and Mbeki could be seen speaking to potential voters in Soweto where he joined the party on the election campaign trail on Thursday.

He told crowds that his concerns still stood, and people could trust the ANC brand only if it thoroughly polished itself.

"The ANC must renew itself because of what is not right in the ANC. So, I have never changed my mind about this; it was correct."

So, does Mbeki's presence on the campaign trail hold any weight, or is it a cynical move by the party to attempt to secure much-needed votes as election day draws near?

"The ANC wants him to be seen. I don't think he believes in what he is doing. I think it's a legacy project, of trying to rescue some credibility for the ANC."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Head of Policy and Research - Rivonia Circle

"Last year Mbeki spent a lot of time lecturing the ANC on its wrongs and continued wrongdoing; the long letter he wrote to Paul Mashatile lamenting the ANC and some of the decisions it was taking..."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Head of Policy and Research - Rivonia Circle

"Much like how some people don't understand how former President Jacob Zuma has such a politcal following, generally all politcal leaders evenutally create a cultish following... that will do and go wherever that particular leader goes."

- Lukhona Mnguni, Head of Policy and Research - Rivonia Circle

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