The curious career of an African modernizer: South Africa's Thabo Mbeki

Abstract

Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's second democratically elected president, was born into left-wing politics. In exile, he became the face of the African National Congress (ANC) and developed a reputation as a modernizer. He returned to the country and built relations, not with the ANC's internal allies, but with the country's business community. In 1996, as Mandela's deputy, Mbeki implemented a neo-liberal economic package, called GEAR, which alienated many. In office, he both failed to acknowledge the threat of HIV/AIDS to the country and refused to pressure the failing regime in Zimbabwe; but it was his bypassing of parliament that ultimately led to his failure as president.

Keywords:

• South Africa
• presidency
• neo-liberal
• modernity
• Africa
• Thabo Mbeki

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to Dr Thabisi Hoeane, formerly of Rhodes University, Eileen Shepherd of the Rhodes University Library, Beth Vale and Estelle Prinsloo.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter Vale

*Peter Vale is the Nelson Mandela Professor of Politics, Rhodes University, South Africa.

Georgina Barrett

**Georgina Barrett is a Lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Studies, Rhodes University, South Africa.Email: [email protected]