Thambo Mbeki is a South African politician and former President of South Africa under the popular African National Congress political party. Mbeki served as the President from June 1999 to 24 September, 2008 before resigning.
In this article, OldNaijaHistory brings some facts about Thambo Mbeki’s life before, during and after his tenure as South Africa’s President.
Early Life and Background
Thambo Mvuyelwa Mbeki was born on the 18th of June, 1942 in Mbewuleni village, Transkei province of South Eastern South Africa. His father, Govan Mbeki was a staunch ANC party member which gave way for Thambo’s early involvement in South African politics, and membership of the ANC since 1956.
Mbeki started his education journey at a local primary school in Idutywa, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and proceeded to Lovedale secondary school in Alice, but was expelled for leading a student strike. He then completed his secondary education at St. John’s High School in Umtata, where he sat for his matriculation examinations in 1959. He completed his British “A” level examinations in Johannesburg between 1960 and 1961 and proceeded to enroll as an external student at the University of London in 1961, where he bagged an economics degree in 1965.
In 1966, Mbeki registered for a Master’s degree in Economics at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, and also became the first Black South African to graduate with a distinction in Economics from this institution.
Career and Political Achievements
Mbeki’s career and life revolved greatly around service to his nation South Africa, and several efforts to end the apartheid era. Some of his career and political journey includes;
- Early Political Involvement: Mbeki joined the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in 1956 and quickly became active in the anti-apartheid movement.
- Exile and ANC Work: After leaving South Africa in 1962, Mbeki worked for the ANC in various capacities, including in London and Lusaka. He underwent military training in the Soviet Union and became the youngest member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee in 1975.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Mbeki played a crucial role in the diplomatic engagements that led to the negotiations to end apartheid. He was instrumental in the discussions between the ANC and the South African government, which culminated in the adoption of a new interim constitution.
- Deputy President: In 1994, Mbeki was appointed as South Africa’s Deputy President under Nelson Mandela. He was heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the country’s first multiracial government.
- President of South Africa: Mbeki served as the second post-apartheid President of South Africa from 1999 to 2008. During his presidency, he focused on economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving healthcare. He was also the architect of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), aimed at fostering economic development across the continent.
- International Roles: Mbeki held several significant international positions, including Chairperson of the African Union and Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement.
- Post-Presidency: After his presidency, Mbeki continued to be active in various capacities, including serving as Chancellor of the University of South Africa since 2016.
Wife and Children
Thabo Mbeki is married to Zanele Dlamini Mbeki. They tied the knot on November 23, 1974, at Farnham Castle in the United Kingdom.
Mbeki has one son named Monwabise Kwanda Mbeki whom he had from a previous relationship with Olive Mpahlwa. Monwabise was born when Mbeki was just sixteen years old.
