Thabo Mbeki

Thabo Mbeki was elected President of South Africa in the country's second fully democratic elections, succeeding Nelson Mandela. He represented the ANC and promised to continue Mandela's legacy of reconciliation while focusing on economic growth and transformation.

Mbeki championed the concept of an 'African Renaissance', promoting economic integration, democracy, and conflict resolution across the continent. This led to the establishment of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the African Peer Review Mechanism.

Mbeki questioned the link between HIV and AIDS, and his government delayed the rollout of antiretroviral drugs. This policy, influenced by dissident scientists, led to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths and drew widespread international condemnation.

Mbeki pursued a policy of 'quiet diplomacy' towards Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe, refusing to condemn human rights abuses and land seizures. This approach was criticized as ineffective and complicit, failing to prevent Zimbabwe's economic collapse and political crisis.

Mbeki was recalled by the ANC's National Executive Committee, effectively forcing his resignation as President. This followed a power struggle with Jacob Zuma, who had defeated Mbeki for the ANC presidency in 2007. Mbeki's departure marked a shift in ANC leadership.