Biography of Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki

Thabo Mbeki was born in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa on June 18, 1942. Mbeki’s father had a leading role in the activities of the African National Congress (ANC). Mbeki’s parents were always trying to improve the conditions of their community and took part in schemes to provide food for the poor. Consequently, he joined several student political organizations, including the African National Congress Youth League at the age of 14. He completed his studies at home as a strike in 1959 got him expelled, and put an end to his schooling at Lovedale Academy. Then, he moved to Johannesburg, South Africa where he became the secretary of the African Students” Association (ASA). He also met Nelson Mandela, for the first time. Mandela advised Mbeki to continue his education outside of South Africa. As a result, Mbeki went to London and enrolled at the University of Sussex, and graduated with a master’s degree in economics (“Thabo Mbeki”; “PROFILE OF FORMER PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI”).

Mbeki left London and went to Zambia in April 1971 to take office as the assistant secretary of the ANC’s Revolutionary Council. After a few months of his arrival in Zambia, Mbeki delivered his first speech on behalf of the ANC at the YSS summer school. The speech, A Dream Deferred, motivated many to fight apartheid. During the 1980s, Mbeki became the department head of information and publicity and organized many strategic campaigns designed involve more of the white South Africans in anti-apartheid activities. Thabo Mbeki gave a speech calling for alliances to fight against apartheid, which was broadcast on numerous radio stations and Television. In 1989 Mbeki became the head of ANC’s department of international affairs and was involved in the ANC’s negotiations with the ruling government, during 1990’s, to end apartheid (“Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki”; “Thabo Mbeki”).

Thabo Mbeki has played a very significant role in fighting apartheid. In Fact, he might be the most prominent anti-apartheid leader, who is currently alive. Even at an early age, he was very active in student politics and played a leading role in creating the youth and student sections of the ANC in exile. On his return to Lusaka, he became a political secretary in the office of Oliver Tambo, and then the director of information. From this position, he has played a significant role in getting the attention of the international media and turning them against apartheid. Gaining the support of global press is arguably the most important event that caused apartheid to end in South Africa. This event has made most of the world realize about apartheid and the massacres that have happened, due to apartheid. Consequently, a wide variety of political organizations have made negotiations with the governing National Party to end apartheid (“Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki”).