Successor Mbeki's Communist roots
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PRESIDENT NELSON Mandela has been described as the hardest act to follow since Abraham Lincoln. The man chosen by the ANC for the task is Thabo Mbeki, 56, who has the anti-apartheid struggle in his blood and a Sussex University economics degree on his CV.
Mr Mbeki, president of the ruling party, has come out of the shadows in the past three weeks. On the campaign trail he has emerged not as the dark prince many feared but as a man open to dialogue who will get things done.
Mr Mbeki is expected to provide a change of style more than of substance. Gone will be the emphasis on the South African "rainbow", loaded with powerful symbols of black-white reconciliation, like President Mandela sporting a Springbok jersey during the rugby world cup.
Mr Mbeki, whose wife, Zanele, is a development economist, is an intellectual said to despise populist politics and has a vision for an African renaissance.
He was born in the rural Transkei area into a communist family who sacrificed much for the struggle against apartheid. His father, Govan Mbeki, spent more than 30 years in jail. His sister was detained on spurious grounds. His youngest brother and his only son disappeared.
Many South Africans, even though they love President Mandela, believe it is time for him to go. In Mr Mbeki they see a man to provide tougher and more focused leadership.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments