T mbeki biography

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki is often identified as an independent and original thinker. His profile as a policy shaper and mediator in the African National Congress (ANC) has been built up over a lifetime of involvement.

"I was born into the struggle," he says. His birth took place in Idutywa, Transkei, on the 18th of June,

Both his parents were teachers and activists. His father was a university graduate and there were many books in his home which Mbeki read at an early age.

Govan Mbeki was a leading figure in ANC activities in the Eastern Cape.

Govan mbeki

Believing that sooner or later they would be arrested, Mbeki's parents decided that family and friends would also be responsible for bringing up the children. Mbeki therefore spent long periods away from home.

He joined the ANC Youth League at 14 and quickly became active in student politics.

After his schooling at the Lovedale Missionary Institute was interrupted by a strike in , he comp