Thabo Mbeki
Thabo Mbeki is a South African politician who served as the second President of South Africa from 1999 to 2008. He is a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC), having played a key role in the anti-apartheid struggle and the transition to democracy. Mbeki succeeded Nelson Mandela as president and was known for his intellectual approach to governance and his vision of an African Renaissance. During his presidency, he pursued economic liberalisation policies and sought to position South Africa as a leader on the African continent. His tenure was marked by strong economic growth but also by controversy over his government's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which drew widespread criticism from public health experts and activists. Mbeki was instrumental in establishing the New Partnership for Africa's Development and advocated for African solutions to African problems in international forums. He was recalled by the ANC in September 2008 following a power struggle within the party, and Jacob Zuma subsequently became president. After leaving office, Mbeki has remained active in African diplomacy and mediation efforts. He studied economics at the University of Sussex and holds a master's degree in economics. Mbeki's legacy remains contested, with supporters praising his pan-African vision and critics pointing to his handling of public health crises and his centralisation of power within the presidency.
Thabo Mbeki Updates
Mbeki is not the 'super president'
2nd June 2026 Mpumelelo Mkhabela is not given to cheap political theatre. He is usually a level-headed analyst, with the rare gift of making his point without... →
SA: Paul Mashatile: Address by Deputy President, on the occasion of Nepad@25 Years - High-Level Business Breakfast, Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town (21/05/2026)
22nd May 2026 As we mark Africa Month and celebrate twenty-five years of NEPAD, we return to that founding vision: an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful... →
Africa’s crisis is institutional before it is continental
22nd May 2026 The Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s Africa Day 2026 theme, “Rebuilding African Unity in an Age of Fragmentation: Sovereignty, Solidarity, and the Renewal... →
Happening in Parliament this week
18th May 2026 This week’s parliamentary programme features sessions including a question-and-answer with the Deputy President, debates on departmental budget... →
Julius Malema: South Africa’s performative revolutionary is facing his biggest battle
15th May 2026 Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s fourth-largest party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is a divisive figure: loved by some, hated... →
Nelson Mandela was a towering global symbol – but how effective was he as a president?
14th April 2026 Nelson Mandela remains one of the most revered political leaders of modern times. He is widely credited with guiding South Africa through a... →
Daily Podcast – March 30, 2026
By: Halima Frost 30th March 2026 Making headlines: High Court dismisses Zuma, Mbeki's bid to recuse Justice Khampepe; SAIIA mourns the passing of Steven Gruzd; And, S Africa... →
Mbeki and Zuma must stop bullying Khampepe and let truth out
30th March 2026 Judge Sisi Khampepe is arguably the best-qualified person in the country to get to the bottom of alleged political interference to block the... →
High Court dismisses Zuma, Mbeki's bid to recuse Justice Khampepe 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 30th March 2026 The Gauteng High Court dismissed the application brought by former Presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki to withdraw retired Justice Sisi Khampepe... →
Zuma, Mbeki vs Khampepe and others
30th March 2026 The applicants, Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma and Mr Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, have approached this Court on an urgent basis. They seek a range of... →
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