The international political thinking of Thabo Mbeki
1. Biographical particulars
Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki was born on the 18th of June 1942 in Idutywa, Transkei, to Govan and Epainette Mbeki, whom were educators and activists. Thabo spent lengthy periods away from home, and was often raised by extended family and friends because Govan, as a prominent figure of the African National Congress, was concerned that they might be arrested by Apartheid police. Thabo also became politically active when he joined the ANC Youth League at 14 thus, it is evident that politics formed the foundation of his life. Mbeki states in his biography, “I was born into the struggle.” (Gevisser 2009: 15) He was schooled at Lovedale, however, Mbeki had to complete his schooling at home due to strikes in 1959.
After this, Thabo Mbeki moved to Johannesburg and became secretary of the ASA or the African Students’ …show more content…
The first issue is social cohesion. In order to address the “violence, elitism, corruption and poverty” The Department of Social Affairs (2013: 2) that divide the African continent, Mbeki suggested that Africans promote education and “the reversal of the ‘brain drain’ of African intellectuals.” The Department of Social Affairs (2013: 2) Thabo Mbeki emphasised the importance of Africans taking pride in where they come from. “There is no African Renaissance without African unity. When Africans overcome their differences to unite, then true African Renaissance will be realized.” (Jacobs & Calland 2002: 258) The second issue is addressing Africa’s poverty. Mbeki believes that the focus should not be on reducing poverty but rather to eradicate it completely. To address underdevelopment, Mbeki (2013) emphasises that infrastructure needs to be advanced, “not only for energy and transport but also set up schools and
1. Biographical particulars
Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki was born on the 18th of June 1942 in Idutywa, Transkei, to Govan and Epainette Mbeki, whom were educators and activists. Thabo spent lengthy periods away from home, and was often raised by extended family and friends because Govan, as a prominent figure of the African National Congress, was concerned that they might be arrested by Apartheid police. Thabo also became politically active when he joined the ANC Youth League at 14 thus, it is evident that politics formed the foundation of his life. Mbeki states in his biography, “I was born into the struggle.” (Gevisser 2009: 15) He was schooled at Lovedale, however, Mbeki had to complete his schooling at home due to strikes in 1959.
After this, Thabo Mbeki moved to Johannesburg and became secretary of the ASA or the African Students’ …show more content…
The first issue is social cohesion. In order to address the “violence, elitism, corruption and poverty” The Department of Social Affairs (2013: 2) that divide the African continent, Mbeki suggested that Africans promote education and “the reversal of the ‘brain drain’ of African intellectuals.” The Department of Social Affairs (2013: 2) Thabo Mbeki emphasised the importance of Africans taking pride in where they come from. “There is no African Renaissance without African unity. When Africans overcome their differences to unite, then true African Renaissance will be realized.” (Jacobs & Calland 2002: 258) The second issue is addressing Africa’s poverty. Mbeki believes that the focus should not be on reducing poverty but rather to eradicate it completely. To address underdevelopment, Mbeki (2013) emphasises that infrastructure needs to be advanced, “not only for energy and transport but also set up schools and