Thabo Mbeki, South Africa’s former president, recently turned 80, and the Rainbow Nation, including the current president Cyril Ramaphosa, wished him a happy birthday.
In a message to the nation on Mbeki’s birthday, President Cyril Ramaphosa had noted that the former president would live to see Mzansi rise to its full potential,
He also used the opportunity to speak on the work being done in the country and the challenges the Rainbow Nation is facing.
He recalled Mbeki’s time as president when the celebrant had noted that leaders shouldn’t lie but understand the challenges the country is facing. He added that it is more important now than ever that South Africans remember why Mbeki was elected president.
He also put the challenge to himself. According to Ramaphosa, leaders are not elected to distract people with false hopes and promises. He ended up by describing Mbeki as one of Africa’s most revered statesmen.
Born on 18 June 1942 in Mbewuleni, eSigangeni, South Africa, Mbeki is one of the most memorable presidents South Africa has had yet. He might not be as active as he was years back, but he’s earned his stripes and is loved by a large swathe of the population.
Happy birthday, Mbeki.
