Want to create an interactive transcript for this episode?
Podcast: First Take SA
Episode: SA government criticised over the attendance of the M23 group
Description: The South African government is facing sharp criticism after representatives of the sanctioned M23 rebel group attended a peace and security dialogue in Magaliesburg, Gauteng, without proper vetting. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation hosted the event, which aimed to address conflicts across Africa. The presence of M23, just months after 14 South African soldiers were killed in clashes with the group in Goma, has sparked outrage. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola insists the government was unaware of M23's attendance, stating his department did not review the guest list. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, who led the rebel delegation, defended their participation...