Thabo Mbeki is a renowned South African politician who has previously served as president between 1999 to 2008. He is regarded for his contributions to the advancement of the economy in South Africa.
Biography
Thabo Mbeki is a one-time president and a strong member of the African National Congress (ANC). He has been active in government for years and previously worked as deputy president under Nelson Mandela between 1994 and 1999.
Early Life and Education
Thabo Mbeki was born on the 18th of June 1942 in Mbewuleni in Eastern Cape. He was born to parents who were strong activists of the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.
Thabo Mbeki started his education in 1948; he attended Lovedale Institute where he was classmates with Chris Hani, a fellow member of the ANC.
Thabo Mbeki was an active member of the ANC from the age of 14; while putting in their best efforts, in 1958, he was promoted to secretary of the Lovedale branch.
He studied at Sussex and earned a degree in economics in 1965 and a Master’s in 1966.
Early Career
After his educational pursuit, Thabo Mbeki was sent to Moscow for political and ideological training. He did a lot of work for the ANC including filling the ANC Revolutionary Council position in Zambia.
Thabo Mbeki was also instrumental in establishing a strong front base in Swaziland before heading to Nigeria. While in Nigeria, he was able to build strong relations with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo and ensured the presence of ANC was felt.
Thabo Mbeki was an active member who used his intellect to provide helpful ideas and this earned him a position as chairperson of the party.
In 1994, he was among the two individuals short-listed for deputy president under the ANC-led government.
Thabo Mbeki won the elections and teamed up with Nelson Mandela as they stepped into government. He was a key figure in government and known as a “Peace Broker” during the First Congo War.
In 1997, Thabo Mbeki was elected as the president of the ANC replacing Nelson Mandela. It was at the ANC’s 50th National Conference.
Presidency
Following his remarkable work as deputy president under Nelson Mandela, he earned massive support from the ANC.
Due to this support, Thabo Mbeki was elected President of South Africa under the ANC party in 1999.
During his time in government, the country enjoyed a lot of economic development and peaceful relations with diverse European countries as well as numerous African countries.
In terms of sport, Thabo Mbeki was on the front foot as he successfully bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
On the 25th of September 2008, he resigned from his position after a series of unsuccessful court battles with his former deputy, Jacob Zuma. He was succeeded as ANC president by Kgalema Motlanthe.
Age
Thabo Mbeki is currently 83 years old.
Personal Life
Thabo Mbeki got married to Zanele Dlamini Mbeki in 1974. Despite the marriage not bearing any fruit; he previously had a son, Monwabisi Kwanda out of wedlock but unfortunately the child died under undisclosed circumstances.
Social Media
You can connect with Thabo Mbeki via;
Instagram: @theofficialthabombeki
Net Worth
We estimate Thabo Mbeki’s net worth is estimated to be around $11 million, approximately R177.5 million.
