Kgalema Motlanthe, born on July 19, 1949, in Alexandra, Johannesburg, is a significant figure in South African politics. He grew up in modest circumstances, moving with his family to Meadowlands in Soweto when he was young. Motlanthe's early life was marked by the harsh realities of apartheid, which shaped his political consciousness and commitment to the struggle against racial oppression.

Motlanthe's political journey began in the late 1960s when he became involved with the African National Congress (ANC). He was also influenced by the Black Consciousness Movement, which played a pivotal role in the South African liberation struggle. In 1976, during the Soweto uprising, he was detained and later convicted of terrorism under apartheid laws, leading to a 10-year imprisonment on Robben Island. While imprisoned, Motlanthe deepened his understanding of political theory and continued his activism, which would define his post-prison career.

After his release in 1987, Motlanthe played a crucial role in the trade union movement. He became the Secretary-General of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), where he was instrumental in advocating for workers' rights and improving labor conditions. His work in the trade union movement solidified his reputation as a dedicated and pragmatic leader, earning him the respect of both his peers and adversaries.

In the post-apartheid era, Motlanthe's influence within the ANC grew. He was elected Secretary-General of the ANC in 1997 and later became the party's Deputy President in 2007. His leadership within the ANC was marked by his ability to mediate between different factions within the party, a skill that would later become crucial during his tenure as President of South Africa.

Motlanthe became South Africa's third post-apartheid president on September 25, 2008, following the resignation of Thabo Mbeki. His presidency, although brief (lasting until May 2009), was marked by efforts to stabilize the country politically and economically. He worked to restore confidence in the government, which had been shaken by internal ANC conflicts and the global financial crisis. Despite his short term, Motlanthe's leadership style, characterized by calmness and consensus-building, left a lasting impact on South African politics.

After serving as president, Motlanthe was elected Deputy President under President Jacob Zuma from 2009 to 2014. In this role, he continued to be a voice of moderation and was often seen as a unifying figure within the ANC. However, his relationship with Zuma was complex, and Motlanthe eventually decided not to seek re-election as Deputy President of the ANC in 2012, signaling his departure from active politics.

Motlanthe remains an influential figure in South Africa, respected for his integrity, humility, and dedication to the country's development. Even after retiring from active politics, he continues to contribute to public life through various initiatives and foundations, focusing on promoting democracy, education, and social justice.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kgalema_Motlanthe