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Thabo Mbeki

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description Thabo Mbeki Overview

Thabo Mbeki is a South African politician who served as the country's president from 1999 to 2008, succeeding Nelson Mandela. A leading figure in the African National Congress, he promoted an African-centered approach to international affairs and development. His presidency is also closely associated with his rejection of the established scientific link between HIV and AIDS, a position linked by public-health researchers to large numbers of preventable deaths.

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When was Thabo Mbeki president of South Africa, and who did he succeed?

He succeeded Nelson Mandela after the ANC's 1999 election victory and served as president from 1999 until September 2008. Kgalema Motlanthe succeeded him on 25 September 2008. [The Presidency](https://thepresidency.gov.za/political-context)

What did Thabo Mbeki mean by an African Renaissance?

African Renaissance was an African-centered political and development idea linked to Mbeki's presidency. It stressed African agency in development and international affairs rather than treating the continent only as a recipient of outside policy.

What was Thabo Mbeki's role in the ANC before becoming president?

He was a leading ANC figure and served as Executive Deputy President of South Africa from May 1994 to June 1999. That role placed him directly in the national government before he took the presidency. [The Presidency](https://www.presidency.gov.za/former-president-thabo-mvuyelwa-mbeki)

Why did Thabo Mbeki leave office in 2008?

He resigned in September 2008 after the ANC asked him to step down. His deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe, then became president on 25 September 2008. [The Presidency](https://thepresidency.gov.za/political-context)