Thabo Mbeki, born on June 18, 1942, in Mbewuleni, Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a significant figure in the history of South Africa, particularly in the anti-apartheid movement and the country's post-apartheid era. He was the second President of South Africa, serving from 1999 to 2008, succeeding Nelson Mandela.

Mbeki was born into a politically active family. His father, Govan Mbeki, was a leading figure in the African National Congress (ANC) and a staunch opponent of apartheid. Thabo Mbeki's early exposure to politics and his family's involvement in the struggle against racial segregation deeply influenced his own political trajectory.

At a young age, Mbeki became involved in the ANC Youth League, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already a committed member of the ANC. His political activities led him to leave South Africa in 1962 to avoid arrest by the apartheid regime. He spent several decades in exile, during which he received military training and furthered his education. He studied economics at the University of Sussex in England and later earned a master's degree in economics from the same institution.

During his years in exile, Mbeki played a crucial role in the international anti-apartheid movement. He worked for the ANC in various capacities, including as a representative in several African countries and in London. Mbeki was instrumental in mobilizing international support for the ANC and its cause, particularly in the West, where he worked to build alliances and garner support against the apartheid regime.

As apartheid began to crumble in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mbeki was one of the key negotiators in the talks between the ANC and the South African government that led to the country's first democratic elections in 1994. He served as Deputy President under Nelson Mandela from 1994 until 1999 and was Mandela's apparent successor. During his time as Deputy President, Mbeki was seen as the de facto head of government, particularly in economic matters, as Mandela took on a more symbolic role.

Mbeki's presidency was marked by both achievements and controversies. He was a strong proponent of the African Renaissance, a concept that aimed at the political, economic, and cultural rejuvenation of the African continent. Under his leadership, South Africa experienced significant economic growth, and Mbeki's policies were credited with stabilizing the country's economy. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), an economic development program of the African Union.

However, Mbeki's presidency was also marred by his handling of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa. He controversially questioned the link between HIV and AIDS and was criticized for his government's reluctance to provide antiretroviral drugs to those affected by the disease. This stance led to a significant public health crisis in South Africa and tarnished his legacy.

Mbeki's presidency came to an abrupt end in September 2008, when he was recalled by the ANC after being implicated in a controversial court ruling that suggested he had interfered in the legal process against his political rival, Jacob Zuma. Following his resignation, Mbeki largely withdrew from active politics, though he has continued to be involved in various diplomatic efforts, particularly in Africa.

Thabo Mbeki remains a complex and sometimes polarizing figure in South African history. His contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle and his efforts to promote African unity and development are significant, but his controversial policies on HIV/AIDS and his abrupt political downfall have also left a lasting impact on his legacy.

REFERENCE:

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