Thabo Mbeki
Thabo Mbeki was the President of the Republic of South Africa. He assumed office in 1999, after the departure of Nelson Mandela. Mbeki has been a member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party since he was a child.
On September 20, 2008, Mbeki announced his intention to resign the presidency. African National Congress leaders pressed the president to step down after a judge suggested that he was involved in manipulating the justice system to persecute his rival, Jacob Zuma.1 Mbeki said he will proceed in accordance with the constitution.2
Mbeki's resignation was accepted by Deputy President Baleka Mbete on September 21, 2008. Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President of the ANC, assumed the presidency on September 25, 2008.
Fast Facts
- Born: June 18, 1942 in Idutywa, South Africa
- Political party: African National Congress (ANC)
- Former President of the Republic of South Africa
- Assumed office: June 14, 1999
- Announced resignation: September 20, 20081
- Preceded by: Nelson Mandela
- Succeeded by: Kgalema Motlanthe
- Previous office: Secretary General of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Early Life
The Mbeki family has historically been involved in political activism. His grandfather and both parents were dedicated members of the African National Congress and encouraged their children to participate in political action from an early age. Mbeki reportedly joined the ANC at age 14. He spent 28 years in exile abroad and earned a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Sussex. He returned to South Africa after Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990.
Political Persona
Mbeki's administration has focused on establishing South Africa's legitimacy and respectability in foreign affairs. To do so, Mbeki has strengthened the country's role as arbiter and mediator in both military and political conflicts throughout Africa. As a trained economist, Mbeki has also sought to stabilize the national economy.
Related Pages on Mahalo
Thabo Mbeki ResignsSouth Africa, African National Congress, Nelson Mandela
Categories
