1999 – Thabo Mbeki Becomes President of South Africa

On June 2, 1999, Thabo Mbeki was elected President of South Africa, succeeding Nelson Mandela. Mbeki became the second post-apartheid president and faced the challenge of leading a nation still healing from decades of racial division. Known for his intellectual approach and policy-driven governance, Mbeki emphasized African self-reliance and economic development. He was instrumental in promoting the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and advocated for pan-African unity. However, his controversial stance on HIV/AIDS and reluctance to acknowledge the scope of the crisis drew intense criticism. Despite this, Mbeki’s leadership helped shape South Africa’s early 21st-century trajectory and cemented its role in continental politics. His presidency signaled the maturation of South African democracy beyond the Mandela era.