Additional offices 1999‍–‍present


20th Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement
In office 14 June 1999 – 31 October 2003
Preceded by	Nelson Mandela
Succeeded by	Mahathir Mohamad
1st Chairperson of the African Union
In office 9 July 2002 – 10 July 2003
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Joaquim Chissano
9th Chancellor of the University of South Africa
Incumbent
Assumed office 8 December 2016
Vice Chancellor	Puleng LenkaBula
Preceded by	Bernard Ngoepe

Personal details

Born

Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki

18 June 1942 (age 83)
Mbewuleni, South Africa

Political party

African National Congress

Other political
affiliations

South African Communist Party (Tripartite Alliance)

Spouse

Zanele Dlamini

(m. 1974)

Children

Kwanda Mbeki

Parents

Govan Mbeki (father)
Epainette Mbeki (mother)

Relatives

Moeletsi Mbeki (brother)

Alma mater

University of Sussex

Occupation

Politician
economist
activist

Signature

Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki (born 18 June 1942) is a South African politician. He was the second democratic president of South Africa. He served from 1999 to 2008. Before becoming president, he was deputy president under Nelson Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

Mbeki's father, Govan Mbeki, was a well-known leader in the African National Congress (ANC). Thabo Mbeki joined the ANC Youth League in 1956. He has been part of the ANC's main leadership committee since 1975. He was born in the Transkei region. At age twenty, he left South Africa to study in England. He lived outside the country for almost 30 years. This was until the ANC was allowed to operate again in 1990.

He became a key figure in the ANC's information and publicity work. He was also a close helper to Oliver Tambo, a very important ANC leader. Mbeki was a skilled diplomat. He represented the ANC in several African countries. He played a big part in the talks that helped end apartheid in South Africa. After the first democratic elections in 1994, he became the national deputy president. It became clear that Nelson Mandela saw him as his successor. In 1997, Mbeki was elected ANC president without anyone running against him. This led to him becoming president of South Africa in the 1999 elections.

As president, Mbeki focused on stable economic policies. South Africa saw less public debt and steady economic growth during his time. He also expanded programs to help black South Africans gain more economic power. However, some people felt his policies did not do enough to help the poor. This caused some disagreements within the ANC and its allies.

Mbeki was very interested in foreign policy. He believed in Pan-Africanism and an "African renaissance." This meant a vision of Africa becoming strong and self-reliant. He helped create the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). He also became the first chairperson of the African Union. He worked to give African countries a stronger voice in global politics. He also tried to help solve conflicts in other African countries.

One of his most debated policies was his approach to Zimbabwe. He used "quiet diplomacy" instead of openly criticizing Robert Mugabe's government. This meant he tried to talk and negotiate behind the scenes. Many people, both in South Africa and globally, criticized this approach.

Another very controversial issue was his government's policy on HIV/AIDS. His government was slow to provide life-saving antiretroviral medicines. Studies later suggested these delays caused many preventable deaths. Mbeki himself was seen by some as questioning the main scientific views on AIDS.

His time as president ended when he lost the ANC leadership to Jacob Zuma in 2007. In September 2008, the ANC asked him to resign as national president. He agreed to step down.

Early Life and Education
- Growing Up in the Eastern Cape (1942–1960)
- Moving to Johannesburg (1960–1962)
Life in Exile and Early Career
Rise to the Presidency
Presidency of South Africa
Succession and Resignation
- Resignation from Presidency
After the Presidency
- International Mediation Work
- Philanthropy and Legacy
Personal Life and Family
Recognition and Awards
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in the Eastern Cape (1942–1960)

Thabo Mbeki was born on 18 June 1942. He grew up in Mbewuleni, a small village in the Transkei region. This area is now part of the Eastern Cape province. He was the second of four children. His parents were Epainette Mbeki, a teacher, and Govan Mbeki, a shopkeeper, journalist, and important activist. Both his parents were active in the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).

Mbeki started school in 1948. This was the same year that the National Party came to power. They began to create the laws for apartheid. In 1955, he went to the Lovedale Institute. This was a famous school near Alice. He was among the last students allowed to follow the same school plan as white students.

At Lovedale, Mbeki joined the ANC Youth League when he was 14. In 1958, he became the secretary of its Lovedale branch. In 1959, he was expelled from Lovedale. This was because he led a student protest. Despite this, he still passed his final high school exams.

Moving to Johannesburg (1960–1962)

In June 1960, Mbeki moved to Johannesburg. He lived with Duma Nokwe, who was the ANC's secretary general. Mbeki planned to take advanced exams there. The ANC had recently been banned after the Sharpeville massacre. But Mbeki stayed very active in politics. He became the national secretary of the African Students' Association. This was a new youth group meant to replace the banned ANC Youth League. During this time, Nokwe also helped Mbeki join the SACP.

In early 1962, Mbeki was accepted to study economics at the University of London. Soon after, it was arranged for him to study in person at the University of Sussex in England. The ANC told him to leave South Africa. Many young activists were leaving to avoid police and get training. Mbeki was stopped twice by police while trying to leave. He finally arrived at the ANC's headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in November 1962. He then left for England.

Life in Exile and Early Career

Lovedale, where Mbeki attended high school, in the 1900s.

Studying in England (1962–1969)

While at Sussex University, Mbeki worked for the ANC. He also helped with the English Anti-Apartheid Movement. A few months after he arrived, his father was arrested in South Africa. This happened during a police raid in July 1963. During the famous Rivonia Trial, Mbeki spoke to the United Nations (UN) committee against apartheid. He also led a student march from Brighton to London. His father and seven other ANC leaders, including Nelson Mandela, were sentenced to life in prison.

Mbeki finished his economics degree in May 1965. But Oliver Tambo, a key ANC leader, asked him to stay and get a Master's degree. He studied economics and development. He also loved reading and blues music. In October 1966, he moved to London. He started working full-time for the ANC's publicity section. He stayed active in the SACP. In 1967, he joined the team that edited its magazine, African Communist.

During his time in England, Mbeki was looked after by O. R. Tambo and his wife Adelaide Tambo. Tambo became the ANC's longest-serving president. He was Mbeki's political guide until he died in 1993. Mbeki also made friends like Ronnie Kasrils and the Pahad brothers. These friends became important political allies later on.

Training in the Soviet Union (1969–1971)

In February 1969, Mbeki went to Moscow in the Soviet Union. He received special political training there. This was common for young people who were expected to become future ANC leaders. He studied at the Marx–Engels–Lenin Institute. He used the fake name "Jack Fortune" for secrecy. He did very well at the institute. In June 1970, he was appointed to the SACP's main committee. He also received military training. This included learning about intelligence and guerrilla tactics. However, he was seen as more suited for political leadership than military life.

Working in Lusaka (1971–1975)

In April 1971, Mbeki was sent to Lusaka, Zambia. This was the new headquarters for the ANC in exile. He became the administrative secretary for the ANC's Revolutionary Council. This group helped coordinate the ANC's political and military work. Later, he moved to the propaganda section. In 1975, he was elected to the ANC's top decision-making body, the National Executive Committee.

During this time, he started writing some of Tambo's speeches and reports. He also traveled with Tambo to important meetings. In 1973, he helped set up the ANC's office in Botswana. This country was important because it shared a border with South Africa.

Establishing a Base in Swaziland (1975–1976)

Between 1975 and 1976, Mbeki helped set up the ANC's base in Swaziland. He went there in January 1975 to see how things were politically. He worked with Albert Dhlomo to restart secret ANC networks in South Africa. These networks were in the Natal and Transvaal provinces. These areas bordered Swaziland. His contact inside South Africa was Jacob Zuma.

Mbeki was also responsible for finding new fighters for the ANC's armed wing. He also worked with student and worker activists in South Africa. He also had to keep good relations with the Swazi government. In March 1976, the government found out he was involved in military activities. He and Dhlomo, along with Zuma, were arrested and sent away. They managed to be sent to Mozambique, a neutral country.

Representing the ANC in Nigeria (1976–1978)

After being sent away from Swaziland, Mbeki returned to Lusaka. He became the deputy head of the ANC's Department of Information and Propaganda (DIP). In January 1977, he was sent to Lagos, Nigeria. He was the ANC's first representative there. He did well in Lagos. He built good relationships with the Nigerian government. He also helped the ANC become more visible than its rival group.

Becoming Political Secretary (1978–1980)

When he returned to Lusaka in 1978, he was promoted again. He became the head of DIP. At the same time, he was appointed Tambo's political secretary. This was a very important role. He became one of Tambo's closest advisors. He also continued to write speeches for Tambo.

At DIP, he changed the department's name. He replaced "propaganda" with "publicity." He was more open with journalists. He helped change the ANC's public image. It went from being seen as a "terrorist" group to a "government-in-waiting." He also created some new phrases that became popular during the anti-apartheid struggle. These included "mass democratic movement" and "people's power."

In 1980, Mbeki led the ANC's team to Zimbabwe. They wanted to build relations with Robert Mugabe's new government. Mbeki helped negotiate a good agreement. This allowed the ANC to open an office in Zimbabwe. It also allowed them to move weapons and fighters across the border.

Negotiations to End Apartheid (1980s)

In 1985, Mbeki became the ANC's director of information and publicity. He worked to get more white South Africans involved in anti-apartheid activities. In 1989, he became head of the ANC's international department. He was involved in the ANC's talks with the South African government.

Mbeki played a big part in turning the world's media against apartheid. He raised the ANC's diplomatic profile. He was the main contact for foreign governments and international groups. He was also an ambassador to many white South Africans. These included academics, religious leaders, and business people. They traveled to Lusaka to hear the ANC's ideas for a democratic South Africa.

Mbeki was seen as practical, clear-speaking, and sophisticated. He was known for his diplomatic style. In the early 1980s, Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, and Aziz Pahad held secret talks with the National Party government. These meetings helped lead to the ANC being unbanned. They also led to the release of political prisoners. Mbeki was involved in many other important talks that led to South Africa becoming a democracy.

Rise to the Presidency

On 2 February 1990, the ANC and other political groups were unbanned. ANC members who had been in exile began to return home. The ANC had to reorganize itself. It needed to bring together its members from exile, those who had been in prison, and other activists. The ANC also had older leaders. This meant a new generation of leaders needed to be ready.

ANC Chairperson (1993)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mbeki's role in the early talks made him a likely candidate for top leadership. He was even considered for the ANC presidency. However, at the ANC's first big meeting in December 1991, Mbeki was not elected to one of the top six leadership roles. Cyril Ramaphosa was elected secretary general. When SACP leader Chris Hani was killed in April 1993, Ramaphosa became Mbeki's main rival for leadership. When Tambo died later that month, Mbeki took over as ANC national chairperson.

Deputy President (1994)

After the 1994 elections, Mbeki became one of two national deputy presidents. This was in the ANC-led government where Mandela was president. At the next ANC meeting in December that year, Mbeki was elected ANC deputy president without opposition. In June 1996, the National Party left the government. This meant the other deputy president resigned. Mbeki then became the only deputy president.

As deputy president, Mbeki took on more duties. Mandela even called him a "de facto president." Mandela had said he would retire after one term. By then, Mbeki was seen as the most likely person to take over.

ANC President (1997)

In December 1997, the ANC's 50th National Conference elected Mbeki to succeed Mandela as ANC president. No one ran against him. This was because the top leaders had worked hard to get support for Mbeki. They wanted unity and a smooth handover. After the 1999 national elections, which the ANC won easily, Mbeki was elected president of South Africa. He was re-elected for a second term in 2004.

Presidency of South Africa

Economic Approach

Mbeki was very involved in economic policy as deputy president. He led the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) program. This program started in 1996 and was key to Mbeki's government. GEAR focused less on helping the poor directly. It leaned more towards free market ideas. Some saw this as a change from the ANC's original goals.

During his presidency, South Africa's economy grew steadily. The government's debt also went down. Mbeki also encouraged talks between the government, businesses, and trade unions. He wanted to build trust and solve economic problems together.

Mbeki speaks to District Six land claimants in Cape Town, 2001.

However, some critics felt his policies did not do enough for development. They said it did not help reduce high unemployment. This caused disagreements between Mbeki and the left-leaning groups in the ANC.

Mbeki did keep some social programs. He believed in a mixed economy for South Africa. He also pushed for the black economic empowerment policy. This policy aimed to help black South Africans get more involved in the economy. But some said it mostly helped a small group of wealthy black people. It did not do enough to reduce inequality.

Foreign Policy and Africa's Role

Mbeki with American President George W. Bush at the White House, June 2001.

Mbeki was very successful in making Africa important on the world stage. He was known for his belief in Pan-Africanism. This is the idea that all African people should be united. He often spoke about an "African renaissance." This was his dream for Africa to become strong and self-sufficient. He wanted African countries to rely less on Western help. But he also asked for more aid for Africa. He called for world leaders to address global inequality.

Working with African Countries

Mbeki's government was a main force behind creating the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) in 2001. NEPAD aims to speed up economic development and cooperation in Africa. Mbeki was seen as the main thinker behind NEPAD. He was also involved in changing the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union (AU). He became the first chairperson of the AU in 2002. His government also helped start the AU's African Peer Review Mechanism. This system allows African countries to review each other's governance.

Mbeki's government also helped with peacekeeping in African countries. These included Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Burundi.

Global South Cooperation

Mbeki also worked to build strong ties with countries in the "Global South." He chaired the Non-Aligned Movement from 1999 to 2003. He also led the Group of 77 + China in 2006. He formed a group with India and Brazil called the IBSA Dialogue Forum. This group worked together to push for changes at the United Nations. They wanted developing countries to have a stronger role.

Mbeki with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the second IBSA summit in Pretoria, October 2007.

In 2007, South Africa got a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council. This was for two years.

Quiet Diplomacy in Zimbabwe

Mbeki's presidency happened during a growing crisis in South Africa's neighbor, Zimbabwe. This was under President Mugabe. There were problems with land reform, violence, and very high inflation. Mbeki often acted as a mediator between Mugabe's party and the opposition.

However, his policy was "quiet diplomacy." He refused to openly criticize Mugabe. Instead, he tried to persuade him to make gradual changes. He was against using force or sanctions. Mbeki believed South Africa should help Zimbabweans find their own solutions. He said shouting at them would not help.

Many people criticized Mbeki's policy on Zimbabwe. Both in South Africa and internationally. Some questioned if he was truly neutral as a mediator. After a South African team approved the 2002 Zimbabwean election results, the opposition leader accused Mbeki of being unfair.

Power-Sharing Talks

After another disputed election in Zimbabwe in 2008, talks began for a power-sharing government. Mbeki mediated these talks. He helped create the agreement signed in September 2008. This agreement kept Mugabe as president but shared power with opposition leaders.

HIV/AIDS Policy

Mbeki's policies on HIV/AIDS were very controversial. In 2000, his government launched a plan to fight HIV/AIDS. But activists criticized it for not having clear timelines. It also did not commit to providing antiretroviral medicines.

A national program to prevent mothers from passing HIV to their babies was only started in 2002. This happened after the Constitutional Court ordered it. Antiretroviral therapy for people with AIDS was only made available in public hospitals in late 2003. Studies later estimated that these delays caused hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths.

Mbeki was seen by many as questioning the scientific view that HIV causes AIDS. He often suggested that poverty caused the immune system to weaken. He said that this was the real reason for the "collapse of immune systems" in Africa. He also defended scientists who had different views on AIDS. He argued that African countries should not just accept Western scientific ideas.

In October 2000, Mbeki said he would step back from the public debate on AIDS science. In 2002, his cabinet confirmed that HIV causes AIDS. But critics still said he influenced the policy. AIDS activists said Mbeki's stance led to government inaction.

FIFA World Cup Bid

As president, Mbeki led South Africa's successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He often linked this bid to his vision for an African renaissance. In 2015, there were investigations into corruption at FIFA. A soccer official said that bribes were paid for South Africa's bid. Mbeki denied knowing about any bribes.

Electricity Challenges

In late 2007, Mbeki's government announced that the power company, Eskom, would have to cut electricity. This is known as loadshedding. Mbeki publicly apologized. He admitted that the government had not listened to Eskom's warnings about needing more investment in power plants. He said, "Eskom was right and government was wrong."

2008 Xenophobic Attacks

In May 2008, there were violent attacks in South African townships. South African residents attacked migrants from other African countries. At least 62 people were killed. Many thousands were forced to leave their homes. Mbeki sent the army to stop the violence. This was the first time the army was used in a civilian area since apartheid ended. Mbeki called the attacks "an absolute disgrace."

Some critics said Mbeki's government had not done enough to address growing xenophobia (fear or hatred of foreigners) in South Africa. These criticisms were sometimes linked to his policy in Zimbabwe. Many Zimbabwean refugees had come to South Africa.

Succession and Resignation

Zuma supporters outside the Johannesburg High Court, May 2006.

In June 2005, Mbeki removed Jacob Zuma from his post as national deputy president. This happened after Zuma's associate was found guilty of corruption. Zuma remained deputy president of the ANC. The rivalry between Zuma and Mbeki grew stronger. Zuma's supporters often said the charges against Zuma were politically motivated.

By 2007, Zuma was a strong candidate for the next ANC presidential elections. These were held in Polokwane, Limpopo. Mbeki also wanted to run for a third term as ANC president. Mbeki's term as national president would end in 2009. He had said he did not want to change the Constitution to allow a third term as national president.

Zuma gained a lot of support from the left wing of the ANC. This included the ANC Youth League and the ANC's allies. Mbeki's relationship with these groups was very poor. At the election conference on 18 December, Mbeki lost the presidential election to Zuma. Zuma received less than 40% of the votes. According to ANC tradition, Zuma would become the party's candidate for national president in the 2009 general election. This meant he was very likely to become the next president of South Africa.

Resignation from Presidency

On 12 September 2008, a court judge set aside the corruption charges against Zuma. The judge suggested there might have been political interference in Zuma's case. Mbeki later tried to appeal this judgment. He called the findings about political interference "scandalous." The court of appeal later overturned the judge's ruling. It said the allegations of political interference were not relevant to the case.

However, shortly after the judge's ruling, the ANC National Executive Committee asked Mbeki to resign as national president. This committee was aligned with Zuma. The ANC-controlled Parliament could have removed him if he had not agreed. On 20 September 2008, it was announced that Mbeki would resign. Mbeki said that the court's findings had led to the ANC asking him to step down. He agreed as a loyal member of the ANC.

After his announcement, at least 11 cabinet ministers and three deputy ministers also resigned. Mbeki's resignation took effect on 25 September. He was replaced as national president by Kgalema Motlanthe.

After the Presidency

Mbeki with American Vice President Joe Biden in the West Wing, April 2011.

After leaving the presidency, Mbeki stayed an ANC member. But he stepped back from party politics. A new party called the Congress of the People (Cope) was formed. It was made up of former ANC members who supported Mbeki. There were rumors that Mbeki was involved with Cope.

Mbeki started appearing at ANC events again around 2011. He has since said he continued to vote for the ANC. But he did not campaign for them during Zuma's presidency (2009-2018). In recent years, he has spoken publicly about problems in the ANC and the country's economy.

International Mediation Work

After his resignation in 2008, Mbeki continued his role as a mediator in Zimbabwe. He returned to Zimbabwe in 2020 to help solve another political dispute. He also continued to lead the African Union's panel for Sudan and South Sudan. This panel helped reach an agreement for peace talks in 2016. He also chaired a UN panel on illegal money flows from Africa.

Philanthropy and Legacy

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation was launched on 10 October 2010. Its goal is to promote Africa's political, social, economic, and cultural development. This is based on Mbeki's idea of an "African renaissance." The foundation also launched the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute. This institute aims to train leaders to help achieve the foundation's goals.

Personal Life and Family

Mbeki in 2003

In October 1959, Mbeki had a son named Monwabisi Kwanda. His mother was Olive Mpahlwa, a childhood friend. Kwanda was raised by his mother and later by Mbeki's mother. He was last seen by his family in 1981. It is believed he died in exile, but how he died is unknown.

Mbeki's youngest brother, Jama, also disappeared in exile. He was an activist in a party that was against the ANC. Jama disappeared in March 1982. An investigation later suggested he was killed by security police. Mbeki's only living sibling, Moeletsi, is an economist. He often publicly criticized his brother's government policies.

Mbeki married Zanele Dlamini Mbeki in 1974. She was a social worker he met in London. Their wedding was on 23 November in England. They do not have children together.

Recognition and Awards

Honorary Degrees

Mbeki has received many honorary degrees from universities in South Africa and other countries. These include degrees from the University of South Africa, Sussex University, and the University of Stellenbosch.

Awards and Honours

Mbeki has received many awards for his work. In 1997, he received the Good Governance Award from a US-based group. He also received the Newsmaker of the Year award in 2000 and 2008. In 2000, he was given the Oliver Tambo/Johnny Makatini Freedom Award for his commitment to democracy. In 2003, he received the Peace and Reconciliation Award. In 2004, he was given the Good Brother Award for his work on gender equality. In 2005, he received the Champion of the Earth Award from the United Nations. He also received an Antidiscrimination Award from the Netherlands in 2005. In 2006, he was awarded for his service to economic growth in South Africa and Africa. In 2007, he received an award from the Confederation of African Football for his contribution to football.

Patronages

Thabo Mbeki Foundation
Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (part of the University of South Africa)
Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library
Thabo Mbeki School for Public and International Affairs

Foreign Honours

Cuba:

Medal of the Order of José Martí (2001)

Italy:

Knight Grand Cross with Collar Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2002)

Jamaica:

Member of the Order of Excellence (2003)

Zambia:

Grand Commander of the Order of the Eagle of Zambia (2003)

United Kingdom:

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (2007)
Knight of the Order of Saint John (2007)
Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (2000)

Images for kids

Govan Mbeki during the raid on Liliesleaf Farm, July 1963.
Mbeki's brother Moeletsi in Amsterdam in 1978, accepting an award on behalf of their father. The banner calls for Govan's release.
Mbeki with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in June 2003.
Mbeki with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Cape Town, September 2006.
Mbeki with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the 34th G8 summit, July 2008.
Mbeki at a United Nations meeting on Sudan, July 2019.

Thabo Mbeki facts for kids

Contents