Kgalema Motlanthe: A Political Biography of South Africa's Former President

Kgalema Motlanthe: A Political Biography

by Ebrahim Harvey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3444 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages
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Kgalema Motlanthe is a South African politician who served as the fourth president of South Africa from 2008 to 2009. He was previously the deputy president of South Africa from 2007 to 2008 and has served as the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC) since 2017.

Motlanthe was born in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa, on 19 July 1949. He joined the ANC in 1976 and was arrested and imprisoned by the apartheid government in 1977. He was released from prison in 1990 and went on to play a leading role in the ANC's negotiations with the apartheid government.

After the ANC's victory in the 1994 general election, Motlanthe was appointed minister of labour. He served in this position until 1999, when he was appointed minister of minerals and energy. He served in this position until 2008, when he was appointed deputy president of South Africa.

In 2008, Motlanthe became president of South Africa following the resignation of Thabo Mbeki. He served in this position until 2009, when he was succeeded by Jacob Zuma.

Since leaving office, Motlanthe has continued to be active in politics. He is currently the secretary-general of the ANC and is considered to be a potential future leader of the party.

Motlanthe is a respected figure in South African politics. He is known for his integrity, his commitment to democracy, and his ability to build consensus.

Early life and education

Kgalema Motlanthe was born in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa, on 19 July 1949. His father was a teacher and his mother was a nurse. Motlanthe attended the local primary school and high school, where he excelled in his studies. He went on to study at the University of the North, where he obtained a degree in political science.

Motlanthe became involved in politics at a young age. He joined the ANC in 1976, shortly after the Soweto uprising. He was arrested and imprisoned by the apartheid government in 1977, but was released from prison in 1990.

Political career

After his release from prison, Motlanthe went on to play a leading role in the ANC's negotiations with the apartheid government. He was a member of the ANC's negotiating team at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) talks, which led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa.

After the ANC's victory in the 1994 general election, Motlanthe was appointed minister of labour. He served in this position until 1999, when he was appointed minister of minerals and energy. He served in this position until 2008, when he was appointed deputy president of South Africa.

In 2008, Motlanthe became president of South Africa following the resignation of Thabo Mbeki. He served in this position until 2009, when he was succeeded by Jacob Zuma.

Since leaving office, Motlanthe has continued to be active in politics. He is currently the secretary-general of the ANC and is considered to be a potential future leader of the party.

Personal life

Kgalema Motlanthe is married to Gugu Mtshali. The couple have two children, a son and a daughter.

Motlanthe is a keen sports fan and enjoys playing golf and tennis. He is also a patron of the arts and is a member of the board of trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Legacy

Kgalema Motlanthe is a respected figure in South African politics. He is known for his integrity, his commitment to democracy, and his ability to build consensus. Motlanthe played a leading role in the struggle against apartheid and in the establishment of a democratic South Africa. He is a respected statesman and is considered to be a potential future leader of South Africa.

Kgalema Motlanthe: A Political Biography

by Ebrahim Harvey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3444 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE