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

Skelewu Mbeki (grandfather)
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 served as the second democratic president of South Africa from 1999 to 2008. He resigned from his position at the request of his political party, the African National Congress (ANC). Before becoming president, he was the deputy president under Nelson Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

Thabo Mbeki's father, Govan Mbeki, was an important thinker in the ANC. Thabo Mbeki has been involved in ANC politics since 1956. He joined the ANC Youth League when he was 14. He has been a member of the party's National Executive Committee since 1975. Born in the Transkei region, he left South Africa at age twenty to study in England. He lived outside the country for almost thirty years until the ANC was allowed to operate again in 1990.

Mbeki became a key figure in the ANC's information and publicity sections. He was also a close helper and student of Oliver Tambo, a long-time ANC president. Mbeki was a skilled diplomat, representing the ANC in several African countries. He was one of the first to push for and lead the talks that helped end apartheid. After South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, he became the national deputy president. It became clear that he was Mandela's chosen successor. He was elected ANC president without opposition in 1997. This led to him becoming president of the country after the ANC won the 1999 elections.

As deputy president, Mbeki helped guide the government's economic plan called Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR), which started in 1996. As president, he continued to follow careful economic policies that supported markets. During his time as president, South Africa's public debt decreased, the budget deficit became smaller, and the economy grew steadily. However, some critics felt his economic policies did not do enough to help development and share wealth more fairly. This led to Mbeki becoming more distant from the left-wing parts of the ANC. He also grew apart from the leaders of the ANC's partners, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and South African Communist Party. These groups supported Jacob Zuma over Mbeki after Mbeki removed Zuma from his deputy president role in 2005.

As president, Mbeki was very interested in foreign policy, especially working with many countries. His belief in pan-Africanism and his idea of an "African renaissance" were central to his political goals. Experts say he helped South Africa play a bigger role in African and global politics than its size might suggest. He was the main creator of the New Partnership for Africa's Development. As the first chairperson of the African Union, he helped start the African Peer Review Mechanism. His government also worked with India and Brazil to push for changes at the United Nations. They wanted developing countries to have a stronger voice. Mbeki was a key mediator in the conflict in Zimbabwe in the 2000s. However, he was often criticized for his "quiet diplomacy" policy in Zimbabwe. He refused to openly criticize Robert Mugabe's government or put sanctions on it.

Mbeki's HIV/AIDS policy was also very controversial around the world. His government did not start a national program to prevent mother-to-child transmission until 2002. This happened only after the Constitutional Court ordered it. They also did not make antiretroviral therapy available in public hospitals until late 2003. Studies have estimated that these delays caused hundreds of thousands of deaths that could have been prevented. Mbeki himself, like his Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, was seen as someone who doubted the main scientific views on AIDS. He often suggested that immunodeficiency was caused by poverty, not just a virus.

His political decline began at the ANC's Polokwane conference in December 2007. There, Zuma replaced him as ANC president. Even though his term as national president was not supposed to end until June 2009, he announced on 20 September 2008 that he would resign. This was at the request of the ANC National Executive Committee. The ANC's decision to "recall" Mbeki was linked to a High Court judgment earlier that month. In that judgment, Judge Chris Nicholson suggested there was improper political interference in the National Prosecuting Authority. This was specifically related to the legal proceedings against Jacob Zuma. Nicholson's judgment was later overturned by the Supreme Court of Appeal in January 2009. By then, Kgalema Motlanthe had replaced Mbeki as president.

Early Life and Education
- Growing Up in the Eastern Cape (1942–1960)
- Moving to Johannesburg (1960–1962)
Life in Exile
Rise to the Presidency
Presidency of South Africa
End of Presidency
After the Presidency
- International Work
- Thabo Mbeki Foundation
Personal Life
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 in Mbewuleni. This was a small village in the Transkei region, now part of the Eastern Cape. He was the second of four children. His parents, Epainette and Govan, were both teachers and activists. His father was a senior member of the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP). Mbeki often said he was "born into the struggle" against apartheid.

Mbeki started school in 1948, the same year the National Party came to power and started apartheid. He attended the Lovedale Institute, a famous school. He was part of the last group of students allowed to follow the same curriculum as white students. At Lovedale, he joined the ANC Youth League at age fourteen. He became the secretary of its Lovedale branch in 1958. He was expelled from Lovedale in 1959 for leading a student boycott. However, he still passed his high school exams.

Moving to Johannesburg (1960–1962)

In June 1960, Mbeki moved to Johannesburg. He lived with Duma Nokwe, the ANC secretary general. The ANC had recently been banned after the Sharpeville massacre. But Mbeki remained very active in politics. He became the national secretary of the African Students' Association. This new youth group aimed to replace the banned ANC Youth League. During this time, Nokwe also recruited Mbeki into the SACP.

The ANC then told Mbeki to leave South Africa. Many young activists were leaving to avoid police and get training. Mbeki was stopped twice while trying to leave the country. He finally reached the ANC's new headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in November 1962. Soon after, he left for England.

Life in Exile

Studying in England (1962–1969)

While in England, Mbeki studied economics at the University of Sussex. He also worked for the ANC and the English Anti-Apartheid Movement. His father, Govan, was arrested in South Africa in 1963. During the famous Rivonia Trial, Mbeki spoke at the United Nations (UN) and led a student march. His father was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mbeki finished his first degree in 1965. He then pursued a Master's degree in economics. He also developed a love for literature and music. In 1966, he moved to London to work full-time for the ANC's publicity section. He remained active in the SACP and joined the editorial board of its magazine, the African Communist. During his time in England, Oliver Tambo was Mbeki's mentor and guardian.

Training in the Soviet Union (1969–1971)

In February 1969, Mbeki was sent to Moscow in the Soviet Union. He received political and ideological training there. This was common for young ANC and SACP leaders. He studied at the Marx–Engels–Lenin Institute. He was appointed to the Central Committee of the SACP in 1970. He also received military training, but he was seen as more suited for political leadership.

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 worked as an administrative secretary for the ANC's Revolutionary Council. He later 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 began writing speeches and reports for Tambo. He also helped set up the ANC's office in Botswana, a "frontline" country bordering South Africa.

Diplomatic Roles in Africa (1975–1978)

Between 1975 and 1976, Mbeki helped set up the ANC's base in Swaziland. He worked to re-establish underground ANC networks in South Africa. He also recruited new military operatives and worked with student and labor activists. However, he was deported from Swaziland in 1976 after the government discovered his military activities.

After being deported, Mbeki returned to Lusaka. In 1977, he was posted to Lagos, Nigeria, as the ANC's first representative there. He built good relationships with the Nigerian government and strengthened the ANC's presence.

Becoming a Key Advisor (1978–1980)

When he returned to Lusaka in 1978, Mbeki was promoted. He became the head of the ANC's Department of Information and Publicity (DIP). He was also appointed Tambo's political secretary. This made him one of Tambo's closest advisors. He changed the department's name to "publicity" instead of "propaganda." He aimed to improve the ANC's public image, showing it as a "government-in-waiting."

Mbeki helped create phrases that became important in the anti-apartheid struggle, like "mass democratic movement." These phrases became popular through Radio Freedom broadcasts. In 1980, Mbeki led the ANC's delegation to Zimbabwe. He negotiated an agreement that allowed the ANC to open an office there and move weapons and members 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 Department of International Affairs. He played a major role in turning international opinion against apartheid. Mbeki was a key contact for foreign governments and international organizations.

Mbeki was known for his calm and sophisticated diplomatic style. In the early 1980s, he, Jacob Zuma, and Aziz Pahad were chosen by Tambo to hold secret talks with representatives of the National Party government. These talks, which happened between 1987 and 1990, were crucial. Mbeki also made trips to the United States to gain support from US companies. These talks eventually led to the ANC being unbanned and political prisoners being released.

Rise to the Presidency

On 2 February 1990, F. W. de Klerk, the new state president, announced that the ANC and other political groups were no longer banned. ANC exiles began to return to South Africa. The ANC had to reorganize itself, bringing together its members from exile, underground, and those released from prison.

Becoming ANC Chairperson (1993)

Mbeki's important role in the early negotiations made him a strong candidate for top leadership positions. In April 1993, after the assassination of SACP leader Chris Hani, and the death of Oliver Tambo, Mbeki became the ANC national chairperson.

Serving as Deputy President (1994)

After the 1994 elections, South Africa's first democratic elections, Mbeki became one of two national deputy presidents. He served in the Government of National Unity under President Mandela. In December 1994, Mbeki was elected ANC deputy president without opposition. In June 1996, the National Party left the government, and Mbeki became the sole deputy president.

Mbeki took on more responsibilities, with Mandela even calling him a "de facto president." Mandela had publicly stated his intention to retire after one term. By then, Mbeki was widely seen as his most likely successor.

Becoming ANC President (1997)

In December 1997, the ANC's 50th National Conference elected Mbeki as ANC president. He succeeded Mandela without opposition. After the 1999 national elections, which the ANC won by a large majority, Mbeki was elected president of South Africa. He was re-elected for a second term in 2002.

Presidency of South Africa

Economic Policies

Mbeki was deeply involved in economic policy as deputy president. He led the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) program, which started in 1996. GEAR focused on economic growth and market-friendly policies. It was seen by some as a shift from the ANC's earlier socialist ideas. Mbeki also encouraged communication between government, businesses, and labor unions.

During Mbeki's presidency, South Africa saw reduced budget deficits and public debt. The economy experienced consistent growth. However, some critics, especially from labor unions, argued that his policies did not do enough to create jobs or reduce poverty. They felt his policies benefited only a small black elite. Mbeki, however, believed in a "mixed economy" and supported programs to help the poor.

Foreign Policy and African Renaissance

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

Mbeki was known for his strong belief in pan-Africanism. He often spoke about his vision for an "African renaissance." He wanted African countries to work together more closely and rely less on Western aid. He also called for Western leaders to address global inequality.

Africa's Role in the World

Mbeki was a key force behind the creation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) in 2001. NEPAD aimed to boost economic development and cooperation across Africa. Mbeki was also involved in changing the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union (AU). He became the AU's first chairperson in 2002. His government also helped introduce the AU's African Peer Review Mechanism. Through these organizations, Mbeki's government participated in peacekeeping efforts in various African countries.

Global Partnerships

Mbeki also worked to strengthen ties with countries in the Global South. He chaired the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 + China. He also formed a partnership with India and Brazil, known as the IBSA Dialogue Forum, in 2003. These countries pushed for reforms at the UN to give developing countries a stronger voice. In 2007, South Africa secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

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

Quiet Diplomacy in Zimbabwe

Mbeki's presidency happened during a difficult time in neighboring Zimbabwe. There were land issues, political violence, and very high inflation. Mbeki often acted as a mediator between the Zimbabwean government and the opposition. However, his policy was "quiet diplomacy." He refused to openly criticize President Mugabe or impose sanctions.

Mbeki believed that South Africa should help Zimbabweans find their own solutions. He was against forcing change or Western interference. This policy received a lot of criticism both in South Africa and internationally. Some felt it did not do enough to address the problems in Zimbabwe.

HIV/AIDS Policy

Mbeki's policies on HIV/AIDS were highly criticized. In 2000, his government launched a plan that activists felt lacked clear goals for providing antiretroviral treatment. A national program to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to children was only introduced in 2002. This happened after the Constitutional Court ordered it. Antiretroviral therapy for people with AIDS was not widely available in public healthcare until late 2003.

Studies have estimated that these delays led to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths. Mbeki was seen as someone who questioned the scientific consensus on HIV/AIDS. He often suggested that poverty was a main cause of immune system problems in Africa. He also argued that African countries should not blindly accept Western scientific theories. Critics said his stance hindered effective HIV/AIDS policy.

Other Key Issues

Mbeki with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the 34th G8 summit, July 2008.

As president, Mbeki led South Africa's successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This was linked to his vision for an African renaissance.

In late 2007, South Africa faced an electricity crisis. The public power company, Eskom, had to introduce planned power cuts, known as loadshedding. Mbeki apologized, admitting the government had not acted on Eskom's warnings about needing more investment.

In May 2008, there were violent attacks against migrants from other African countries in South African townships. Mbeki called the attacks "an absolute disgrace." He deployed the army to stop the violence. Some critics argued that his government had not done enough to address growing anti-foreigner sentiment.

End of Presidency

Supporters outside the Johannesburg High Court during a court case, May 2006.

In June 2005, Mbeki removed Jacob Zuma from his post as national deputy president. This happened after a court case involving Zuma's associate. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) later brought legal proceedings against Zuma. However, Zuma remained deputy president of the ANC. The rivalry between Zuma and Mbeki grew stronger. Zuma's supporters often claimed the legal actions against him were politically motivated.

By 2007, Zuma was a strong contender for the ANC's next presidential elections. Mbeki also intended to run for a third term as ANC president. Zuma gained strong support from the left wing of the party. At the ANC conference in December 2007, Mbeki lost the presidential election to Zuma.

On 12 September 2008, a court set aside the legal proceedings against Zuma. The judge suggested there might have been improper political interference. Mbeki later appealed this judgment. However, shortly after this ruling, the ANC National Executive Committee, which was now aligned with Zuma, asked Mbeki to resign as national president. Mbeki agreed to resign on 20 September 2008. He stated that the court's findings had led to the ANC's request.

His resignation took effect on 25 September. Kgalema Motlanthe, who had been elected ANC deputy president, replaced him as national president.

After the Presidency

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

After resigning, Mbeki remained an ANC member but stepped back from party politics. A new party, the Congress of the People (Cope), was formed by former ANC members who supported Mbeki. There were rumors that Mbeki was involved with Cope, but he did not join.

Mbeki began to appear at ANC events and comment on politics around 2011. He has since been vocal about problems within the ANC and the country's economic challenges.

International Work

Mbeki at a United Nations meeting on Sudan, July 2019.

Mbeki continued his role as a mediator in Zimbabwe after his resignation. He also chaired the AU High-level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan. This group helped broker peace agreements. He also chaired a UN panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa.

Thabo Mbeki Foundation

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation was launched on 10 October 2010. Its goal is to promote Mbeki's vision of an "African renaissance." It aims to support Africa's political, social, economic, and cultural development. The Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute was also launched to train future leaders.

Personal Life

Mbeki in 2003

In 1959, Mbeki had a son, Monwabisi Kwanda, with a childhood friend. Kwanda was raised by his mother and Mbeki's mother. He was last seen in 1981 and is believed to have died in exile. The details of his death are unknown.

Mbeki's youngest brother, Jama, also disappeared in exile in 1982. He was an activist and is believed to have been killed. Mbeki's only living sibling, Moeletsi, is an economist who has sometimes criticized his brother's policies.

Mbeki married Zanele Dlamini Mbeki in 1974. She is a social worker whom he met in London. 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 Glasgow Caledonian University.

Orders and Decorations

Mbeki has received several honors from different countries. He was made an honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) during his visit to Britain in 2001. He also received the City of Athens Medal of Honour in 2005. In 2007, he was made a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Awards

Mbeki has received many awards for his work. He was given the Good Governance Award in 1997. He also received the Oliver Tambo/Johnny Makatini Freedom Award in 2000 for his commitment to democracy. In 2003, he received the Peace and Reconciliation Award. He was honored for his work on gender equality and women's rights in 2004. In 2005, he received the Champion of the Earth Award from the United Nations.

Patronages

Thabo Mbeki Foundation
Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute
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

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

Thabo Mbeki facts for kids

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